Clinical Psychology and Personality

Clinical Psychology and Personality

Evaluation the Structural Model of Obsessive-Compulsive Syndrome based on Traumatic Childhood Experiences, Cognitive Fusion, and Ambiguity Tolerance: The Mediating Role of Fear of Guilt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2 Ph.D. Student, Department of Psychology and Education of Individuals with Special Needs, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 M.Sc in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
4 B.A Student of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, khuzistan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most debilitating psychological disorders, characterized by intrusive thoughts, disturbing mental images, and persistent doubts. It significantly impairs individuals' health across various domains. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate a structural model of OCD based on traumatic childhood experiences, cognitive fusion, and tolerance of ambiguity, with a focus on the mediating role of fear of guilt.
Method: This study employed a descriptive-correlational structural equation modeling approach. A total of 312 students were selected from the entire student population of Mohaghegh Ardabili University for the 2024-2025 academic year. Data collection instruments included the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (PI-WSUR), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), the Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale (MSTAT), and the Fear of Guilt Scale (FOGS). Data analysis involved calculating means and standard deviations for descriptive statistics, and conducting Pearson correlation tests and structural equation modeling for inferential statistics, using SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 24 software.
Results: The findings of the study indicated that the conceptual model demonstrated a good fit (χ²/df = 1.3, RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.07, GFI = 0.91, AGFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.91). Fear of guilt played a significant mediating role in the relationship between cognitive fusion (β = 0.16, p < 0.01) and tolerance of ambiguity (β = -0.08, p < 0.05) with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. However, it did not mediate the relationship between traumatic childhood experiences and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (β = 0.03, p < 0.05).
Discussion and conclusion: According to the results of this study, traumatic childhood experiences, cognitive fusion, and fear of guilt are key factors contributing to the development of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. These factors can be utilized to inform the design of educational and therapeutic protocols.
Keywords

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