1. A coping mechanism or behavioral pattern in which a person avoids situations, activities, or thoughts that trigger anxiety or uncomfortable emotions
His anxiety avoidance prevented him from attending social events, which only worsened his condition.
A esquiva de ansiedade dele o impediu de participar de eventos sociais, o que apenas piorou sua condição.
2. In psychology, a maladaptive strategy where avoidance behavior reinforces and perpetuates anxiety disorders
The therapist explained that anxiety avoidance creates a cycle that maintains the anxiety disorder.
A terapeuta explicou que a esquiva de ansiedade cria um ciclo que mantém o transtorno de ansiedade.