Measuring momentary experiential avoidance in daily life: A preliminary investigation for a new contingency-based measurement framework

This preliminary investigation aims to develop a new measure for momentary experiential avoidance in daily life using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and a small sample. To measure momentary experiential avoidance, this study devised a new method that involves capturing reductions in unwanted experiences after a behavior has occurred based on negative reinforcement characteristics. A daily life investigation on students (N = 25) indicated that although “a momentary experiential avoidance index” did not correlate with acceptance and commitment therapy or symptom-related questionnaires, it could partially predict a decrease in “irritation” and an increase in “satisfaction” after a behavior that is measured separately from an unpleasant private experience preceding the behavior. Moreover, the momentary experiential avoidance index predicted a number of positive mood states only in a group with high global experiential avoidance defined by a self-report questionnaire. Although the momentary experiential avoidance index may measure one aspect of experiential avoidance, consistent results were not obtained. Thus, this preliminary investigation only suggests the potential of expanding the measurement framework and reveals issues that require further examination.