The aim of this study was to examine the degree in which
measurements of trait experiential avoidance (EA) are
affected by current emotional disorder and whether EA is
a causal factor in the course of emotional disorders (anxiety
and depressive disorders) and the development of comorbidity
among emotional disorders. In a sample of 2,316
adults aged 18 to 65, consisting of healthy controls, persons
with a prior history of emotional disorders, and persons
with a current emotional disorder, DSM-IV-based emotional
disorders (CIDI: Composite Interview Diagnostic Instrument)
were assessed at T2 and 2 (T4) and 4 years later (T6)