the relationship between self-ambivalence and obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms: the mediating role of relevant beliefs in obsessive compulsive disorder

Introduction: based on the cognitive model, obsessivecompulsive disorder (ocd) is maintained by various belief factors. despite much support for this hypothesis, little is understood about the role of selfconcept in the maintenance or treatment of ocd. researchers believe that individuals who are ambivalent about their selfworth, use ocdrelated beliefs and behaviors to restore selfesteem. the present study investigates the association between selfambivalence and ocdrelated beliefs and symptoms. also, it is expected that ocdrelevant beliefs mediate the association between selfambivalence and ocd symptoms. method: nonclinical participants (280) were recruited for this research. each participant completed the selfreported versions of the yale–brown obsessive compulsive scale (ybocs), the selfambivalence scale (ybocs), and the obsessive beliefs questionnaire44)obq44). the data were analyzed using path analysis in spss 18. results: findings revealed that selfambivalence had a significant positive correlation with ocdrelevant beliefs and ocd symptoms. the ocdrelevant beliefs also showed a significant positive association with ocd symptoms.  analysis of the data revealed that ocdbeliefs mediated the relationship between selfambivalence and ocdsymptoms. conclusion: results indicate that individuals who are ambivalent about their selfworth, develop a morally and socially ideal self and relevant beliefs to resolve the selfambivalence. these beliefs create a vulnerability for developing ocd. to conclude, interventions addressing the selfambivalence and ocdrelevant beliefs can be effective in the prevention and treatment of ocd.