Experiential avoidance is the tendency to evade or suppress internal experiences such as thoughts, feelings, or memories. It is driven by attempts to reduce immediate distress but often leads to long-term impairment. It is a core construct in contextual behavioral science and a target of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. ## Core Functions - Short-term relief from aversive internal states - Reduction of perceived psychological threat ## Key Components - Suppression of emotions - Behavioral escape or distraction - Avoidance of introspection ## Systems Interactions - Overactivation of avoidance-related coping circuits - Reduced integration of affective and regulatory networks ## Clinical Relevance - Predicts substance use, compulsive behaviors, and emotional dysregulation - Maintains depressive and anxiety disorders ## Related Topics - [[Avoidance Coping]] - [[Emotion Regulation]] - [[Acceptance and Commitment Therapy]]