Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the acceptance and Action Questionnaire for obsessions and compulsions (AAQ-OC)

• Published in: Journal of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders 2020-10, Vol.27, p.100582, Article 100582
• Main Authors: Soltani, Esmail, Ghanizadeh, Ahmad, Dastgheib, Seyed Ali, Wong, Quincy J.J., Jaafari, Nematollah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acceptance and action questionnaire for obsessions and compulsions; Acceptance and commitment therapy; Experiential avoidance; Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Psychometric
• ISSN: 2211-3649; 2211-3657
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2020.100582

Experiential avoidance (EA) is an important component of acceptance and commitment therapy. In recent years, various questionnaires have been designed to assess this construct, including a version relevant to obsessions, referred to as the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Obsessions and Compulsions (AAQ-OC). The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a Persian version of the AAQ-OC in a student sample (N = 334). Participants were administered the AAQ-OC, and several other measures that assessed general EA, depression, anxiety, stress, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor model for the AAQ-OC (factor 1: Valued Action; factor 2: Willingness). AAQ-OC and its Valued Action and Willingness subscales had satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability, although the Willingness subscale had relatively lower test-retest reliability. In relation to convergent validity, the AAQ-OC and the Valued Action subscale had positive associations with a measure of general EA. In relation to construct validity, the AAQ-OC and the Valued Action subscale had positive associations with measures of depression, anxiety, stress, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Overall, this study provides initial support for the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the AAQ-OC. Further evaluation of the Willingness subscale is also warranted. •The AAQ-OC measures experiential avoidance (EA) of obsessions.•This study evaluated a Persian version of the AAQ-OC in Iran.•Persian AAQ-OC had a two-factor structure (Valued Action and Willingness factors).•Persian AAQ-OC had satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability.•Persian AAQ-OC exhibited good validity, but the Willingness factor did not.