Module 6 - Emotional Avoidance

Subtle behavioural avoidance

These are small things that you might do to keep from possibly experiencing an aversive emotion. For instance:

  1. Avoiding eye contact, if you have difficulty in social situations.
  2. If you have panic disorder, you may avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, try to control your breathing, or avoid exercise to avoid the physical sensations resulting from it.
  3. If you worry a lot, you may procrastinate to avoid the emotions associated with an important task.
  4. If you are depressed, you might just watch TV to try to avoid the feelings of sadness.