A novel theory of experiential avoidance in generalized anxiety disorder: A review and synthesis of research supporting a contrast avoidance model of worry

► We will review and critique extant literature pertaining to the perspective that worry enables emotional avoidance in GAD. ► We will explore the direct physiological and subjective emotional impacts of worry. ► We will present a new theory pertaining to experiential avoidance in GAD. Specifically, we propose the Avoidance of Negative Emotional Contrast model as an extension and modification of the perspective that worry serves an emotional avoidance function. ► We discuss possible clinical implications for a disorder that historically has been considered the least successfully treated of all anxiety disorders. ► Finally, we provide a comparison between our new model and current leading models of worry and emotion in GAD.