The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress (stress, anxiety and depression) in the Relationship between Experiential Avoidance and Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms

The aim of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depression) in the relationship between experiential avoidance and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive in students. The research method was descriptive-correlational (structural equations, path analysis) and the statistical population of the study was all students of Semnan University in the academic year 2019-2020. Using the available sampling method, 311 students participated in the research through an online call on the university social network. The instruments used in this study include the Obsessive–compulsive Disorder- revision (Foa, Huppert, Leiberg, Langner, Kichic, Hajcak & Salkovskis), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (Bond, Hayes, Baer, Carpenter & Zettle) And the scale of depression, anxiety, and stress (Lovibond & Lovibond). Pearson correlation test and path analysis method were used to analyze the data. Findings showed that experiential avoidance has a direct and significant relationship with the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive and psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depression) has a mediating role in the relationship between experiential avoidance and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive and the model had a good fit. According to the research results and the mediating role of psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depression) in the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms, planning to promote psychological resilience can play an important role in reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms due to psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depression) Have.