Psychotherapy research : journal of the Society for Psychotherapy Research
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Abstract All humans avoid aversive experiences. Avoidance motivational goals are defined as ontogenetically developed mental representations of avoided transactions, and avoidance motivation as the totality of an individual's avoidance motivational goals. Based on previous research, avoidance motivation is hypothesized to contribute to the development and maintenance of psychopathology. ⋯ All hypotheses were confirmed. Explorative analyses found differential patterns of change of avoidance motivational goals as well as relationships with psychotherapy outcomes. The authors discuss the role of avoidance motivation in psychotherapy practice and research and outline areas for future research.