The Role of Psychological Flexibility in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Within the Context of Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based Approaches
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https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15719149Keywords:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychological flexibility, acceptance and commitment therapy, shame, guilt, perceived stress.Abstract
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder that significantly affects
functionality, involving repetitive behaviors or mental actions (compulsions) performed in order to reduce intense restlessness and anxiety caused by thoughts, impulses or images that come to the mind repeatedly (obsessions) despite the individual's will. In addition to negatively affecting the individual's quality of life, OCD is also closely related to emotions such as shame, guilt and high levels of perceived stress. In this context, the concept of psychological flexibility has emerged as an important variable in understanding and managing OCD symptoms in recent years. Psychological flexibility is defined as the individual's capacity to remain in the present moment, be open to disturbing internal experiences and take action in line with their values. Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based Approaches aim to transform the ways in which individuals combat obsessive thoughts by increasing psychological flexibility.
The purpose of this qualitative review study is to examine the mediating role played by psychological flexibility in the relationship between symptoms seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder and shame, guilt and perceived stress within the framework of acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches. In this context, domestic and foreign studies in the literature were systematically scanned and evaluated using the content analysis method. Studies show that obsessive-compulsive symptoms are experienced more intensely in individuals with low psychological flexibility, and that these individuals are more exposed to feelings of shame and guilt. It has been observed that acceptance and awareness-oriented interventions contribute to individuals accepting these internal experiences and developing more adaptive strategies to cope with the symptoms.
In conclusion, psychological flexibility can be considered a key factor in understanding and treating the emotional components of OCD. This study contributes to both theoretical knowledge and provides inferences that can guide clinical practice.
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