Validity evidence of the Brazilian version of the Young-Rygh Avoidance Inventory (YRAI) for the population of Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

This study examines the factorial structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the Young-Rygh Avoidance Inventory (YRAI). Five hundred and four adults from the state of Rio Grande do Sul participated, with an average age of 34.2 (SD = 12.9), who completed the Young Scheme Questionnaire (YSQ-S3), the Symptom Assessment Scale (SCL-90-R), and YRAI, through an online platform. An exploratory factor analysis was made to verify the distribution of items in common factors and convergent analysis with Spearman’s non-parametric correlation to verify associations with psychopathological symptoms (SCL-90-R) and schemes (YSQ-S3). Three factors were found: Somatization and Search for Stimulation (α = 0,84), Cognitive Avoidance (α = 0,78), and Emotional Withdrawal (α = 0,62), with an omega value between 0,75 and 0,87. It was concluded that the Brazilian version of YRAI has appropriate psychometric properties, being valid for the concerned population. In addition, the interpretation of the construct validity was consistent with the theory.