Prediction of obsession and compulsion symptoms based on anxiety sensitivity, psychological distress and psychological flexibility in students

The aim of the present study was to predict obsession and compulsion symptoms based on anxiety sensitivity, psychological distress, and psychological flexibility in students. The method of this study was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included all male and female students of Semnan University, from which 311 people were selected using the convenience sampling method. In this study, the Obsessive-compulsive Disorder scale (Foa et al, 2002), the anxiety sensitivity index (Rice and Patterson, 1987), the second version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (Bond et al, 2011), and the depression, anxiety and stress scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) were used. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression analysis. Results showed that the dimensions of anxiety sensitivity, psychological resilience, and dimensions of psychological distress were significantly correlated with obsession and compulsion symptoms (P≤0.01). Regression results also showed that psychological distress, anxiety sensitivity, and psychological resilience explained 31%, 35%, and 36% of the variance of obsession and compulsion symptoms, respectively. Finally, these three variables simultaneously explained 37% of the variance of the obsession and compulsion symptoms. Considering the important role of psychological flexibility, anxiety sensitivity, and dimensions of psychological distress in predicting obsession and compulsion symptoms in students, it is recommended to design interventions based on these variables to improve the quality of life of this group of people.