Evaluation of psychometric properties of the Persian version of Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y)

Introduction: The concept of psychological inflexibility (PI) was proposed by the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y) is one of the tools for measuring this factor in youth. The aim of this study is to assess the factor structure and psychometric features of the Persian version of AFQ-Y. Materials and Methods: The cases of this study included 303 school students of Kashan, Iran who were selected through cluster sampling method during 2017. The tools used were AFQ-Y and Revised Children s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS). The factor structure of AFQ-Y was studied by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Also, the convergent validity, test-retest reliability (4-week interval) and internal consistency of AFQ-Y were assessed. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19 and AMOS-22. Results: The results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) indicated two factors: “cognitive fusion” and “experiential avoidance”. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the 2-factor model (RMSEA 90% CI= 0.04-0.06). Furthermore, the convergent validity(r= 0.60, P 0.001), Cronbach s alpha coefficient (α= 0.80) and test-retest reliability coefficient (r= 0.73) of this scale were also acceptable. Conclusion: Based on the results, the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth is an appropriate tool with acceptable psychometric features for measuring psychological inflexibility in the youth population of Iran.