Cognitive Fusion, Experiential Avoidance, And Obsessive Beliefs As Predictors Of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Dimensions

Cognitive-behavioral models of obsessions, which posit that such symptoms arise from the misinterpretation of intrusive thoughts, have empirical support. Yet, these models do not entirely explain obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms. Cognitive fusion, derived from relational frame theory (RFT), refers to the tendency for behavior to be overly regulated and influenced by cognition, and may incrementally improve our understanding of OC symptoms. The current study examined the extent to which constructs within these theoretical approaches predict various OC symptom dimensions. Participants completed measures of cognitive fusion, psychological flexibility, and obsessive beliefs, as well as OC symptoms. Regression analyses revealed that constructs from cognitive-behavioral and RFT models were associated with certain OC symptom dimensions. Moreover, RFT-related constructs uniquely predicted the unacceptable thoughts OC dimension over and above variance explained by cognitive-behavioral constructs. Results suggest that cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance are important in explaining certain OC dimensions.