The Relationship of the Metacognitive Beliefs and Thought Control Strategies with Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms in Nonclinical Population

Introduction: The aim of the current study is to investigate the relationship of metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies with obsessive–compulsive Symptoms in nonclinical population.
Method: A sample of 200 students of Tarbiat Moallem University was randomly selected and completed the following questionnaires: Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), The Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ) and Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis.
Results: The study showed that the metacognitive beliefs and thought control strategies were positively correlated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms in nonclinical population. In regression analyses MCQ subscales, positive beliefs about worry, uncontrollability and danger and cognitive self-consciousness were the strongest predictors of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Among the subscales of thought control strategies, Worry and punishment emerged as specific and unique predictors of obsessive–compulsive symptoms in nonclinical population.
Conclusion: Results of this study support the metacognitive model of OCD and showed beliefs that people have about their thought processes and strategies that they use for control of their cognitive system has important role in onset and maintenance of obsessive–compulsive symptoms. Therefore, modification of metacognitive beliefs and malad aptive strategies to control of unwanted thoughts can be useful in prevention of intensifying and maintenance of obsessive–compulsive symptoms.