A study of the role of cognitive behavioral avoidance and diffuse avoidance style in prediction of adjustment to college with control of cognitive flexibility

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of cognitive behavioral avoidance and diffuse avoidance style in predicting of the adjustment to college with control of cognitive flexibility.  Materials and Methods: In a correlation study, 285 students of Allam-ol-Hodda complex of Shahid Chamran  University of Ahvaz city were selected via multistage cluster sampling method during the fall semester of the 2016-2017 academic year. The participants completed the items of Cognitive Behavioral Avoidance Inventory, Diffuse Avoidance Style Subscale, Cognitive Flexibility and Adjustment to College Questionnaire. To analysis the data, statistical methods of Pearson correlation coefficient and simultaneous multiple regression analysis were conducted through SPSS software version 22.   Results: The results showed that the total cognitive behavioral avoidance subscales and diffuse avoidance style subscale had a significant negative correlation with adjustment to college. Also there were positive correlation between cognitive flexibility and adjustment to college. Moreover simultaneous multiple regression analysis showed that cognitive behavioral avoidance and diffuse avoidance with control cognitive flexibility were able to predict 0.28 of variance of adjustment college scores. Conclusion: Therefore, regarding to the important role of cognitive behavioral avoidance and diffuse avoidance style in reducing adjustment to college, concerning these variables as goals can be effective in predicting and reducing maladaptive behaviors in college environment.