Explaining the Obsessive-compulsive Symptoms Based on Cognitive Flexibility and Social Cognition

Cognitive flexibility and social cognition are the appropriate models for understanding psychological problems, through which people can meet various challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive flexibility and social cognition with obsessive-compulsive symptoms among female students at Allameh Tabataba’i University. 

This cross-sectional study was done on 200 students female students at Allameh Tabataba’i University in Tehran studying in the academic year 2018-2019 selected by random multiple cluster sampling method. The used tools were cognitive flexibility inventory, student social cognition questionnaire, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms inventory.

There was a negative significant correlation between the total score of obsessive-compulsive symptoms with cognitive flexibility and social cognition. In addition, the results of multiple regression analysis showed that cognitive flexibility and social cognition can explain obsessive-compulsive symptoms in students. 

Studying cognitive flexibility and social cognition is an efficient method to understand the underlying factors associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Evaluation of these factors can be useful in the prevention and treatment of these symptoms.