Thought-Action Fusion Mediates the Relationship Between the Dependence and Vulnerability to Harm Early Maladaptive Schemas and Obsessive-Compulsive Symptomology

Abstract

<p>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 <i>Young Schema Questionnaire</i> Short Form, the <i>Thought-Action Fusion Scale</i>, and the <i>Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale</i>, which <i>a priori</i> and <i>a posteriori</i> 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. </p>