Thought-action fusion mediates the relationship between the dependence and vulnerability to harm early maladaptive schemas and obsessive-compulsive symptomology

Thought-action fusion mediates the relationship between the dependence and vulnerability to harm early maladaptive schemas and obsessive-compulsive symptomology

Brown, H. J., Rock, A. J., Clark, G., Murray, C. V., Rice, K., & Hanson, M. C. (2022). Thought-Action Fusion Mediates the Relationship Between the Dependence and Vulnerability to Harm Early Maladaptive Schemas and Obsessive-Compulsive Symptomology. North American Journal of Psychology, 24(3).

Prevalence estimates of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptomology in
non-clinical samples suggest these symptoms are commonly experienced
in the general population. Research in community samples is needed to
understand possible etiological pathways. Previous research,
predominantly in clinical samples, has demonstrated (1) significant
associations between both the dependence and vulnerability to harm early
maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and OC symptoms, and (2) that thoughtaction fusion (TAF) is related to both OC and EMSs. Consequently, the
aim of the present study was to examine the possible mediating role of
TAF in the relationship between the dependence and vulnerability to
harm EMSs and OC symptoms, in a general population sample. A
community sample of 74 adults completed the Young Schema
Questionnaire Short Form, the Thought-Action Fusion Scale, and the
Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, which a priori and a
posteriori power analyses indicated was sufficient. Correlational analyses
indicated that the dependence and vulnerability to harm EMSs were
significantly positively associated with symptoms and TAF beliefs. The
results of two mediation analyses supported the hypothesis that TAF
mediates the relationship between: (1) the dependence EMS and OC
symptoms, and (2) the vulnerability to harm EMS and OC symptoms.
These findings are consistent with the cognitive model, and suggest
possible etiological pathways for the development and maintenance of
OC symptomology. Implications are discussed and highlight the
importance of TAF in the context of the dependence and vulnerability to
harm EMSs and OC symptomology.

early maladaptive schemas; thought-action fusion; obsessive-compulsive; vulnerability to harm; dependence; Clinical Practice; Mental Models; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; Psychopathology; Schema; Cognitive Development; Etiology; Symptoms;

Australia

General population - community

Early maladaptive schemas

Comparison between clinical group/s and/or healthy adult controls