Volume 29, Issue 1 (3-2026)
J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026, 29(1): 52-58 |
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Azadegan R, Sohrabi F, Khanipour H, Robatmili S, Sabet M. The Mediating Role of Mentalization in the Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026; 29 (1) :52-58
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-8012-en.html
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-8012-en.html
1- PhD Candidate in General Psychology, Department of General Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2- Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran ,sohrabi@atu.ac.ir
3- Associate Professor, Institute for Educational, Psychological & Social Research, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
5- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
2- Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran ,
3- Associate Professor, Institute for Educational, Psychological & Social Research, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
4- Assistant Professor, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
5- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
Abstract: (496 Views)
Introduction: Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder characterized by intrusive doubts and compulsive behaviors focused on romantic relationships. The present study examined the mediating role of mentalization as a key psychological mechanism in the association between attachment styles and relationship-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 281 married individuals in Tehran using convenience sampling. Participants completed measures assessing attachment styles, mentalization capacity, and the Partner-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (PROCSI). Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and structural equation modeling.
Results: Findings indicated that insecure attachment styles (anxious and avoidant) were significantly associated with lower mentalization capacity and higher levels of relationship-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms, whereas secure attachment was significantly associated with higher mentalization capacity and lower levels of ROCD symptoms. Structural equation modeling analysis demonstrated that mentalization significantly mediated the association between attachment styles and ROCD symptoms. In other words, higher attachment insecurity was associated with greater ROCD symptom severity indirectly through reduced mentalization capacity.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the role of mentalization as a psychological mechanism linking insecure attachment styles to elevated symptoms of ROCD. These results underscore the importance of assessing and strengthening mentalizing capacity, alongside addressing attachment patterns, in therapeutic interventions for married individuals experiencing ROCD symptoms.
Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 281 married individuals in Tehran using convenience sampling. Participants completed measures assessing attachment styles, mentalization capacity, and the Partner-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (PROCSI). Data was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and structural equation modeling.
Results: Findings indicated that insecure attachment styles (anxious and avoidant) were significantly associated with lower mentalization capacity and higher levels of relationship-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms, whereas secure attachment was significantly associated with higher mentalization capacity and lower levels of ROCD symptoms. Structural equation modeling analysis demonstrated that mentalization significantly mediated the association between attachment styles and ROCD symptoms. In other words, higher attachment insecurity was associated with greater ROCD symptom severity indirectly through reduced mentalization capacity.
Conclusions: The findings highlight the role of mentalization as a psychological mechanism linking insecure attachment styles to elevated symptoms of ROCD. These results underscore the importance of assessing and strengthening mentalizing capacity, alongside addressing attachment patterns, in therapeutic interventions for married individuals experiencing ROCD symptoms.
Keywords: Mentalization, Attachment Styles, Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), Married individuals
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