Modeling of Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms Based on Emotional Schemas, Emotion Dysregulation, Experiential Avoidance and Rumination

Objective: Obsessive-compulsive symptoms usually occur in a non-clinical, subclinical and clinical continuum that differ in severity of cognition and symptoms, but they are qualitatively identical in nature. So, most of the subclinical OCS may progress to obsessive-compulsive disorder, if left untreated. In this study we aimed to examine a comprehensive model of variables involved in obsessive compulsive symptom’s formation and perpetuation. Method: Present study was performed by structural equation modeling. The sample size was 349 subjects who were selected by convenience sampling method. Due to the covid-19 outbreak, the data collection process took place online. Also, SPSS-22 and Lisrel 8.8 are used to analyze the participant̓s responses. Results: According to Fit values, it can be said that the proposed model has a good fit. Furthermore, results of the Sobel test showed that the mediating role of emotion dysregulation, rumination and experiential avoidance in the relation of emotional schemas and obsessive compulsive symptoms are statistically significant. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that interventions aimed at increasing acceptance of private experiences, reducing emotional dysregulation, rumination, and modifying emotional schemas will have better therapeutic outcomes for people with obsessive-compulsive symptoms.