Psychometric investigation of the avoidance and inflexibility scale (AIS) for cocaine use

With the increasing use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based interventions for cocaine use disorder (CUD), the present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Avoidance and Inflexibility Scale (AIS) in the context of cocaine use. A total of 1007 participants, aged 18 to 65, who were seeking treatment for cocaine use, were recruited from an outpatient addiction clinic in Houston, Texas. The study examined the factor structure of the AIS, its associations with relevant psychological constructs, and a potential cutoff score for the scale. The results revealed a two-factor structure for the modified AIS among adults seeking treatment for CUD. The findings also support the validity of the AIS, demonstrating theory-consistent associations with key constructs such as depression, addiction severity, and impulsivity. Additionally, a cutoff score of 38.5 was identified, which can serve as a useful threshold for identifying individuals at higher risk for CUD. These results have important implications for the design and evaluation of interventions targeting cocaine use, providing a tool to assess psychological inflexibility and experiential avoidance.

To find the full text version of this article and other JCBS articles (as well as download a full text pdf.), ACBS members need to login and then access the JCBS ScienceDirect homepage here. Click here if you'd like to learn more about joining ACBS.