The predictor role of meta-cognitive beliefs on obsessive thoughts with mediation of taking responsibility and Intersection of thoughts in nonclinical population

The Meta-cognitive model is based on the assumption that obsessive thoughts are the result of negative interpretation of Meta-cognitive beliefs in relation to meaning or dangerous consequences of a particular thought or opinion. The distortion on meta-cognitive belief is effective on meanings and function of cognition. The present study aims to investigate the role of mediator variables such as taking responsibility and intersection of thoughts in relation between metacognitive beliefs and obsessive symptoms in non-clinical populations. For this purpose, in a descriptive study, 333 students (151 male and 182 female) were selected using multistage cluster random sampling. They were tested in terms of metacognitive beliefs, responsibility attitude, taking responsibility, intersection of thoughts, obsessive-compulsive ideas. Path analysis and structural equation modeling indicated that metacognitive beliefs positively predict taking responsibility, the intersection of ideas and thoughts and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Also, there is an independent, significant difference between metacognitive beliefs and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The research finding support the mediator variables of taking responsibility and intersection of thoughts on the relationship between metacognitive beliefs and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. So, we can say that metacognitive beliefs can better explain the obsessive symptoms through taking responsibility and intersection of thoughts.