The Predictive Role of Cognitive Flexibility and Problem-Solving Methods in the Severity of Preclinical Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

Introduction: It is assumed that the level of cognitive flexibility and maladaptive problem-solving methods, probably lead to the exacerbation of preclinical obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Therefore, an attempt has been made to show how the level of cognitive flexibility and the type of problem-solving methods can predict the severity of premorbid symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Method: This study followed a descriptive cross-sectional design. Sampling was done using cluster sampling among university students. The number of samples was 263 people. In addition, the data analysis method was regression. Results: It was shown that problem-solving methods based on thinking and feeling significantly predict obsessive-compulsive slowness. It was also observed that feeling-focused problem-solving can significantly predict obsessive-compulsive hesitation. Conclusion: It seems that encouraging people to use a specific model of problem solving, such as just thinking, can lead to a decrease in individual functions, especially executive functions. Moreover, finding the optimal level of cognitive flexibility based on reality can increase the efficiency and satisfaction of a person.