The Role of Fear-Avoidance Cognitions and Behaviors in Patients with Chronic Tinnitus
Kleinstäuber M, Jasper K, Schweda I, Hiller W, Andersson G, Weise C (2013)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2013
Journal
Book Volume: 42
Pages Range: 84-99
Journal Issue: 2
DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2012.717301
Abstract
The current study investigated the role of fear-avoidance-a concept from chronic pain research-in chronic tinnitus. A self-report measure the "Tinnitus Fear-Avoidance Cognitions and Behaviors Scale (T-FAS)" was developed and validated. Furthermore, the role of fear-avoidance behavior as mediator of the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and tinnitus handicap was investigated. From a clinical setting, N = 373 patients with chronic tinnitus completed questionnaires assessing tinnitus handicap (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory), anxiety, depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), anxiety sensitivity (Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3), personality factors (Big Five Inventory-10), and fear-avoidance. To analyze the psychometric properties, principal component analysis with parallel component extraction and correlational analyses were used. To examine a possible mediating effect, hierarchical regression analysis was applied. The principal component analysis resulted in a three-factor solution: Fear-avoidance Cognitions, Tinnitus-related Fear-Avoidance Behavior, and Ear-related Fear-Avoidance Behavior. Internal consistency was satisfactory for the total scale and all subscales. High correlations between tinnitus-related handicap scales, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and the T-FAS were found, whereas associations with personality factors were low. Moreover, results indicate a significant partial mediation of fear-avoidance behaviors in the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and the cognitive dimension of tinnitus handicap. Results show that fear-avoidance behavior plays an important role in tinnitus handicap. More attention should be paid to this concept in research and clinical practice of psychotherapy for chronic tinnitus. © 2013 Copyright Swedish Association for Behaviour Therapy.
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)
Sweden (SE)How to cite
APA:
Kleinstäuber, M., Jasper, K., Schweda, I., Hiller, W., Andersson, G., & Weise, C. (2013). The Role of Fear-Avoidance Cognitions and Behaviors in Patients with Chronic Tinnitus. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 42(2), 84-99. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2012.717301
MLA:
Kleinstäuber, Maria, et al. "The Role of Fear-Avoidance Cognitions and Behaviors in Patients with Chronic Tinnitus." Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 42.2 (2013): 84-99.
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