A Structural Model for Psychological Problems Based on Disconnection and Rejection Domain and Negative Automatic Thoughts with Mediating Role of Loneliness

Psychological problems were the result of a person's interaction with the environment and include behaviors that cause social conflicts, dissatisfaction, and individual unhappiness. The present study aimed to provide a structural model for psychological problems based on disconnection and rejection domain and negative automatic thoughts with mediating role of loneliness.

The present study was descriptive correlation using structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all individuals with psychological symptoms that were referred to the Qom Counseling Centers in 1400. 250 patients with psychological problems were selected by the convenient sampling method and, they answered the questionnaires of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-L3), Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ-30), and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Smart Pls software.

The results of structural equation modeling showed that the model is relatively fit and can be generalized to the entire statistical society. The reliability, convergent validity, and divergent validity of the model were confirmed and the model fit was calculated (Gof = 0.42). The results of the mediating role of loneliness also showed that loneliness has a significant mediating role between disconnection and rejection and negative automatic thoughts with psychological problems.

Therapists and counselors at mental health and counseling centers can use this model to check the disconnection and rejection, negative automatic thoughts, and loneliness of patients, and perform the necessary diagnostic and treatment approaches.