The Mediating Role of Attachment Styles and Negative Affect in the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms

The objective of this study was to assess the mediating role of attachment styles and negative affect in the association between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

The study was a descriptive-correlational approach, utilizing structural equation modeling. Among the general population, 363 people were selected through an internet survey, based on the inclusion criteria and using the convenience sampling method. The tools used in this research included the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (Foa et al., 2002), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (Bernstein et al., 2003), the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (Watson et al., 1988), and the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (Brennan and Morris, 1997). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the research model.

The results indicated that childhood trauma had a significant and direct link to obsessive-compulsive symptoms. In addition, attachment styles and negative affect significantly mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Overall, the results showed that the model had good fit.

According to the results, individuals with a history of childhood trauma and insecure attachment styles typically experience negative emotions. It is also likely for these individuals to exhibit obsessive symptoms. In general, childhood trauma, insecure attachment styles, and negative emotions are factors that can play an important role in relation to obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Therefore, these factors should be considered when planning prevention methods and treatment programs.