The quest to measure psychological inflexibility in diverse populations has taken a significant leap forward with the recent psychometric validation of the Persian version of the Experiential Avoidance Rating Scale (EARS). Psychological inflexibility—the tendency to avoid negative internal experiences despite potential harm—is a critical factor underpinning numerous mental health disorders. As psychological research continues to globalize, developing reliable tools that resonate with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds is paramount. A team led by Imany, Mohammadkhani, and Atashipour has made substantial strides in this domain, ensuring that Persian-speaking populations can now be assessed effectively using a scientifically robust instrument.
Psychological inflexibility, often conceptualized through the framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), highlights avoidance behaviors that prevent individuals from engaging fully in their lives. The Experiential Avoidance Rating Scale (EARS) measures this trait by capturing the frequency and intensity of experiential avoidance behaviors. Given the complexity of translating psychological constructs across cultures, mere linguistic translation is insufficient. Cultural adaptation and psychometric validation are essential to ensure the scale’s validity and reliability within new populations. This study addresses that need by rigorously validating the Persian EARS, calibrated for nuances in language, cultural expression, and psychological conceptualization.
The researchers employed a systematic approach to examine the psychometric properties of the Persian EARS. Through a carefully designed series of studies, they assessed the scale’s internal consistency, construct validity, and factor structure. A diverse group of Persian-speaking participants contributed to the research, involving clinical and non-clinical samples to ensure broad applicability. Key statistical techniques such as confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha were implemented to confirm the scale’s structural integrity and internal coherence. These measures are critical in demonstrating that the translated tool reliably captures the construct it purports to measure within this population.
One of the fundamental challenges in psychological measurement across languages is preserving semantic equivalence. The research team confronted this hurdle by combining forward and backward translation methods with expert panel reviews. This bidirectional translation process did not merely produce a word-for-word conversion but sought functional and conceptual equivalence, critical to preserving the meaning behind experiential avoidance in the Persian cultural context. The iterative refinement ensured that the items retained their intended psychological impact, which is crucial for both clinical assessments and research applications.
In addition to translation, cultural adaptation involved assessing whether the manifestations of experiential avoidance in Persian cultures exhibited variance compared to existing data from Western populations. The researchers analyzed responses for evidence of divergent patterns in avoidance behaviors due to cultural factors such as the emphasis on social harmony, familial expectations, and emotional restraint prevalent in Persian societies. This dimension of the study underscores the importance of contextualizing psychological constructs, avoiding ethnocentric biases while ensuring the scale’s relevance and sensitivity.
The validation process also involved demonstrating convergent and divergent validity by comparing the Persian EARS scores to related constructs such as anxiety, depression, and psychological flexibility measured through established instruments. The correlation analyses revealed meaningful relationships aligned with theoretical expectations, further attesting to the scale’s construct validity. This multidimensional validation confirms that the Persian EARS is not only reliable but also an accurate measure interconnected with a spectrum of psychological health indicators prevalent in both clinical and general populations.
The application of the Persian EARS extends beyond academic research into clinical and therapeutic settings, providing mental health professionals with a valuable tool to identify and quantify experiential avoidance, which often complicates treatment outcomes. By pinpointing these avoidance patterns, clinicians can tailor interventions more effectively, particularly in ACT-informed therapies that target psychological inflexibility. The scale’s availability in Persian ensures greater accessibility and inclusivity for clinicians operating in Iran and other Persian-speaking regions, enhancing both diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Beyond clinical utility, the Persian EARS facilitates epidemiological and cross-cultural studies exploring psychological inflexibility across different societies. This capacity is instrumental in global mental health initiatives aiming to compare prevalence rates, identify cultural risk factors, and develop universally applicable therapeutic approaches. The scale’s psychometric soundness ensures that future research involving Persian-speaking cohorts can produce credible, comparable data within the international psychological research community.
An essential contribution of this research lies in its methodological rigor, serving as a model for the translation and validation of psychological scales worldwide. The protocol adopted by Imany and colleagues integrates best practices in scale adaptation, from cultural understanding to statistical robustness. This approach addresses common pitfalls in cross-cultural psychological research, including inappropriate translations, neglect of cultural context, and insufficient validation procedures. As a result, the study enhances confidence in the psychometric properties of adapted scales and encourages similar efforts across other languages and populations.
The publication of this work also involves a correction notice, underscoring the authors’ commitment to accuracy and transparency in scientific communication. Corrections in psychometric research can range from minor clarifications to substantive revisions that improve methodological clarity. Here, the correction likely reflects refinements that uphold the integrity of the findings. Such dedication to precision is vital in psychological measurement science, where reliability and validity are continually scrutinized by diverse stakeholders, including practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.
This advancement arrives at a time when mental health concerns are escalating globally, and culturally sensitive diagnostic tools have never been more crucial. As mental health systems worldwide incorporate evidence-based treatments, precise measurement instruments that resonate with distinct cultural groups enable personalized care and reduce disparities. The Persian EARS represents an essential part of this transformation by providing culturally relevant metrics that recognize the unique psychological experiences of Persian speakers.
Furthermore, the researchers’ work on the Persian EARS opens avenues for investigating the interplay between experiential avoidance and other culturally influenced psychological variables, such as stigma, resilience, and coping strategies. Understanding these dynamics can enrich intervention frameworks and foster holistic mental health approaches that respect cultural values and norms. The scale, therefore, is not only a measurement tool but a catalyst for deeper insights into psychological processes within Persian-speaking communities.
Importantly, this validation study also contributes to the increasing corpus of research that emphasizes the global applicability of ACT principles. Psychological inflexibility is a universal phenomenon, but its expression and impact vary widely. Through meticulous adaptation and validation, the Persian EARS aligns with the growing recognition that evidence-based therapies must be adapted thoughtfully rather than transplanted wholesale. This nuanced approach enhances the cultural competence of mental health services and increases the likelihood of successful psychological outcomes.
The publication itself, slated for the 2025 volume of BMC Psychology, signifies the ongoing evolution of psychological research embracing inclusivity and scientific rigor. The scale’s open-access availability will facilitate widespread dissemination, enabling clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to integrate the Persian EARS into their practices and studies. This accessibility aligns with contemporary ideals of democratizing psychological science, reducing barriers to knowledge sharing, and fostering collaborative research efforts across geopolitical and cultural boundaries.
In summary, the psychometric validation of the Persian version of the Experiential Avoidance Rating Scale marks a milestone in cross-cultural psychological assessment. The work led by Imany, Mohammadkhani, and Atashipour demonstrated a methodologically sound and culturally sensitive adaptation process, confirmed the scale’s reliability and validity, and reinforced its application in both clinical and research contexts. This achievement will undeniably enhance the understanding and treatment of psychological inflexibility among Persian-speaking populations, while also providing a blueprint for future translations of psychological instruments worldwide.
As the field continues to prioritize cultural responsiveness in mental health measurement, the Persian EARS stands out as an exemplar of how scientific diligence coupled with cultural empathy can produce tools that bridge language and cultural gaps. Its implementation will contribute to more accurate diagnoses, targeted interventions, and broader global collaborations. This research exemplifies how culturally attuned psychometrics empower mental health practitioners and researchers to serve diverse populations with respect, precision, and effectiveness.
Subject of Research: Psychological Inflexibility and Experiential Avoidance Measurement in Persian-Speaking Populations
Article Title: Correction: Psychometric validation of the Persian version of the Experiential Avoidance Rating Scale (EARS) and its application in assessing psychological inflexibility in Persian-speaking populations
Article References:
Imany, M., Mohammadkhani, S., Atashipour, H.S. et al. Correction: Psychometric validation of the Persian version of the Experiential Avoidance Rating Scale (EARS) and its application in assessing psychological inflexibility in Persian-speaking populations. BMC Psychol 13, 1196 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03594-z
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