From self-compassion to obsessive-compulsive symptoms: the mediator role of intolerance of uncertainty


Kaçar-Başaran S., GÖKDAĞ C.

Current Psychology, cilt.44, sa.4, ss.2375-2384, 2025 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 44 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12144-025-07324-x
  • Dergi Adı: Current Psychology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, BIOSIS, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Psycinfo
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.2375-2384
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Self-compassion, Intolerance of uncertainty, Obsession, Compulsion, OCD
  • Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

High intolerance of uncertainty (IoU) is a well-defined risk and maintenance factor for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Studies have identified different antecedents of IoU, adding low self-compassion to this list. High self-compassion may make it easier for people to cope with uncertain situations and reduce self-blame and control in these situations. Although the protective role of self-compassion in different psychopathologies has been examined, few studies have investigated its role in OCD. No study has investigated the importance of the relationship between self-compassion and IoU for OCD symptoms. Considering that individuals with high self-compassion tendencies do not impose negative feelings on themselves in the face of uncertainties and are more tolerant of them, the association between self-compassion and IoU might be necessary for OCD. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-compassion, IoU, and OCD symptoms and test the mediating role of IoU between self-compassion and OCD symptoms. Four hundred-one adults voluntarily participated in the study and completed measures about self-compassion, IoU, OCD, depression, and anxiety. Results demonstrated the negative correlation between self-compassion and IoU and OCD. Mediation analysis results confirmed the hypothesis that self-compassion was associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms through the IoU when controlling for depression and anxiety symptoms, gender, and age. Our findings were consistent with recent studies showing the importance of self-related psychological constructs for OCD. Low self-compassion is a feature that needs to be examined in this context as an essential initiator of obsessions and compulsions.