Contrast avoidance model of worry and generalized anxiety disorder: A theoretical perspective

Abstract

The Contrast avoidance model (CAM) suggests that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) avoid negative emotional contrasts (shifts) by creating and sustaining negative emotions through worry, and the main fear in these individuals is negative emotional contrasts. The purpose of the present study is to review studies on the CAM and its underlying assumptions, studies supporting and criticizing the model, and emotional factors related to the development of contrast avoidance (CA) tendencies with a focus on the transdiagnostic nature of the CAM and respective principles. Moreover, we reviewed a two-pronged treatment method based on the CAM. Finally, we proposed several research suggestions and emphasized on the importance of studying different aspects of the CAM in order to support its applicability to emotional disorders other than GAD.