title: Cognitive bias and irrational belief as predictors of avoidance.
abstract: Cognitive bias, i.e. overestimates of subjective probability and cost of catastrophic events, and irrational belief were explored as predictors of avoidance. Three groups-anxiety disordered clients, a mixed group of clinic outpatients, and normals--were administered several self-report inventories. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate a modified version of the Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire, the Belief Scale, and the Body Sensations Questionnaire as predictors of avoidance, as measured by the Mobility Inventory. It was hypothesized that frequency x probability x cost of catastrophic cognitions (and the occurrence of the events they represent) would be a better predictor of avoidance than frequency alone. It was also hypothesized that irrational thinking would be a significant predictor of avoidance. The results generally supported the hypotheses, with subjective probability emerging as a particularly potent predictor of avoidance. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zgourides
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000379:Agoraphobia / Q000523:psychology*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010200:Panic; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012718:Set, Psychology