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Abstract

This study investigates the impact of cognitive flexibility and social cognition on obsessive-compulsive behavior, focusing on the mediating role of cyberchondria. The researcher used scales such as; the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS), Yale-Bowren obsessive-compulsive scale, and Cognitive Abilities questionnaire. Related to the data analysis, the research utilized a structural equation model (SEM) to explore direct and indirect relationships between these variables. The sample consisted of 376 participants who live in Tehran and the age range was 18 to 53 years old (120 males, 256 females). Before SEM implementation, assumptions such as multivariate normality, sufficient sample size, and the removal of outliers were verified. Correlation and path analysis were conducted using Pearson’s test and the maximum likelihood method. The outcome displayed that social cognition and cognitive flexibility are significantly related to obsessive-compulsive behavior both directly and through cyberchondria. Specifically, cognitive flexibility had a direct influence on intellectual-practical obsessions, while social cognition indirectly affects them through cyberchondria. The final model fit was strong, indicating the reliability of these findings. Overall, the study highlights the significant role of both cognitive flexibility and social cognition in predicting obsessive-compulsive behavior, suggesting that interventions targeting these cognitive functions may reduce symptoms in affected individuals‎.

Keywords: Social cognition, Cognitive flexibility, Obsessive-compulsive, Cyberchondria, Young adult and adult