International Journal of School Health (Jul 2022)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Traits and Preventive Behaviors during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Self-Regulation Strategies
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world many different challenges. One of them is the increase in the traits of mental disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD is one of the most disabling disorders for patients and families. One of the factors associated with OCD is self-regulation strategies. Investigating the associations between selfregulation strategies and OCD symptoms can help us find better ways in order to prevent and treat OCD. Additionally, in this critical period, preventive behaviors play a significant role in reducing COVID-19 cases worldwide. The present research aimed to investigate the association between self-regulation strategies, OCD traits, and preventive behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship between OCD traits and self-regulation strategies, including expressive suppression, cognitive reappraisal, self-control, integrative self-knowledge, self-compassion, and preventive behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. We recruited 380 Iranian adolescents aged 12 to 18 (15.32±2.13) through multistage sampling method and among the students in Shiraz schools in 2022. The sample size was determined based on the study primary objective. In order to gather data, Padua obsession and compulsion inventory, integrative self-knowledge questionnaire, self-control scale, preventive behaviors scale, self-compassionate scale, and emotion regulation questionnaire were utilized as research instruments. The data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analysis.Results: The obtained findings shed light on negative relationships between OCD (65.55±20.61) and self-compassion (35.38±6.35, P=0.001), self-control (39.78±10.83, P=0.001), integrative self-knowledge (38.74±6.72, P=0.01), cognitive reappraisal (27.93±6.01, P=0.01). Moreover, positive relationships were observed between OCD, preventive behaviors (5.95±0.92), and expressive suppression (15.04±4.52, P=0.03). The results also revealed that self-regulation strategies account for 62% of preventive behaviors.Conclusion: Self-regulation strategies were found to be important predictors for adolescents’ preventive behaviors during the pandemic. Therefore, paying further attention to self-regulation strategies in this critical period of life is of great necessity.
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