Validation of the Chinese version of the Contrast Avoidance Questionnaires

Objective The current study aimed to validate the Chinese version of Contrast Avoidance Questionnaires (CAQs), developed based on the Contrast Avoidance Model. Method In Study 1, we translated the CAQs into Chinese and modified them after back-translation. We then used two separate Chinese samples ( N = 350 and 309, respectively) to explore and validate the factor structure of both CAQ measures. In Study 2, we used a third sample of Chinese college students ( N = 388) to examine reliability and construct validity. Results The original 3 and 2-factor structures for CAQ-Worry and CAQ-General Emotion, respectively, were replicated with acceptable reliability. Compared to the original version, both subscales had acceptable convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity for GAD symptomatology. Conclusion Validation of the CAQs in Chinese allows for future studies of cultural differences in avoiding emotional contrasts and their relationship with mental health problems.