The Role of Fusion Beliefs and Metacognitions in Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms in General Population

Objectives: The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of fusion beliefs and metacognitions in obsessive–compulsive symptoms in the general population. Method: A sample of 200 students of Kharazmi University was selected from various faculties and completed the following questionnaires: Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), Thought-Fusion Instrument (TFI) and Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI). Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results: The study showed that thought-fusion beliefs and metacognitive beliefs were positively correlated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. There were also positive correlations between subscales of thought-fusion beliefs and metacognitive beliefs and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. In regression analysis, MCQ subscales, cognitive self-consciousness and Thought Action Fusion scale were the strongest predictors of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Conclusions: Results of this study support the metacognitive model of OCD and showed that people’s thought-fusion beliefs have important role in obsessive–compulsive symptoms.