Mediating Role of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Experiential Avoidance in the Relationship between Attachment Styles and Severity of Relationship Obsessive -compulsive Disorder Symptoms

Abstract

Objectives Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) is one of the forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, focusing on intimate relationships. Identifying the mechanisms of ROCD can significantly expand our knowledge of the factors related to its development and exacerbation. This study aims to determine the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance in the relationship between attachment styles and the severity of ROCD symptoms. Methods Five hundred thirty-one participants (455 females and 76 males) were selected using convenient sampling from the general population of Iran. They completed the Experiences in close relationships-revised (ECR-R), the difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS), the acceptance and action questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), and the Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (ROCI) online. SPSS software, version 22 and AMOS version 24 were used to analyze data. Results Attachment styles had a significant correlation with difficulties in emotion regulation, experiential avoidance, and ROCD symptoms (P<0.01). Moreover, the two variables of difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance had a mediating role in the relationship between attachment styles and ROCD symptoms. Conclusion Attachment styles can predict the ROCD symptoms directly and indirectly by the difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance. Difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance should be considered in treatment of ROCD symptoms, especially in those with insecure attachment styles.

Effects of Relationship-Centered Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms and Difficulty in Emotion Regulation on Psychological Well-Being in Young Adults

“…Although there are studies in the literature revealing the positive relationship between OCD and emotion dysregulation (Khosravani et al 2020, See et al 2022, we reached only one study examining the relationship between relationship-centered obsessive-compulsive symptoms and emotion dysregulation (Naji Meydani et al 2022). Previous studies indicate a positive relationship between general OCD and relationship-centered obsessive-compulsive symptoms and emotion dysregulation.…”

“…These feelings of shame and guilt are predicted to reduce psychological well-being by causing self-criticism in individuals (Doron et al 2014). Relationshipcentered obsessive-compulsive symptoms are positively associated with emotion dysregulation (Naji Meydani et al 2022) and depression and negatively associated with relationship satisfaction in non-clinical studies (Doron et al 2012a(Doron et al , 2012b.…”

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Obsessive Distrust Inventory for Iranian College Students

“…Obsessive distrust inventory, Psychometrics, Factor Analysis Introduction elationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a crucial subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) [9]. It is characterized by obsessions and unwanted thoughts about intimate relations and has two main dimensions: partner-focused and relationship-centered.…”