Obsessive -Compulsive Symptoms, Metacognitive Beliefs and Thought Control Strategies in Nonclinical Population

Background:Studies show that unwanted intrusive thoughts occur to most people that is a common phenomenon in itself. Trying to control the intrusive thoughts and misinterpretations of thoughts that gives the pathological aspects to common thought. Objective:The aim of the current study was to predict OCD on the basis of metacognitive beliefs' and thought control strategies' variables. Method:A sample of 433 Oshnaviyeh citizens (176 women and 257 men) were conveniently selected and answered Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ) and Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression analysis. Result:Results indicated that metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies were positively correlated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Among the subscales, uncontrollability and danger, punishment, worry and cognitive confidence were the best predictors of obsessive symptoms. Conclusion:Result of this study emphasizing the role of metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies in obsessive compulsive symptoms, can justify the change and modify maladaptive metacognitive beliefs and control strategies in order to control the disorder symptoms