Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences
Volume 25, Issue 4 (7-2026)
JRUMS 2026, 25(4): 331-344 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.SEMNAN.REC.1404.063
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Yaghobi F, Najafi M. The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress in the Relationship between Reassurance Seeking and Obsessive- Compulsive Symptoms in the Students of Semnan Islamic Azad University in 2024: A Descriptive Study. JRUMS 2026; 25 (4) :331-344
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7981-en.html
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7981-en.html
2. Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
Abstract: (21 Views)
Background and Objectives: Reassurance seeking is recognized as one of the strategies affecting the persistence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms; however, the mediating mechanisms of this relationship have received less attention. This study aimed to determine the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between reassurance seeking and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in students.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all students studying in Islamic Azad University of Semnan in 2024, of whom 350 subjects were selected using convenience sampling. The data collection instruments included the Reassurance Seeking Questionnaire (Kobori & Salkovskis, 2013), the Psychological Distress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), and the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (Foa et al., 2002). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and structural equation modeling.
Results: The findings revealed that reassurance-seeking had a positive and significant effect on obsessive-compulsive symptoms (β=0.20, P<0.001). Additionally, the components of psychological distress, including stress (β=0.41, P<0.001), anxiety (β=0.28, P<0.001), and depression (β=0.13, P<0.05) were significant predictors of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Moreover, a positive and significant relationship was observed between reassurance-seeking and the components of psychological distress, including stress (β=0.46, P<0.001), anxiety (β=0.70, P<0.001), and depression (β=0.61, P<0.001); reassurance-seeking indirectly affected obsessive-compulsive symptoms in students through psychological distress (β=0.47, P<0.001).
Conclusion: According to the findings, reassurance-seeking, by increasing psychological distress, provides the basis for the intensification of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Therefore, simultaneous attention to reducing reassurance-seeking behaviors and managing psychological distress seems necessary for developing preventive interventions.
Keywords: Reassurance seeking, Psychological distress, Students, Obsessive-compulsive symptoms
Funding: This study did not receive any funds.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Ethical Considerations (Code of Ethics): The Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Semnan Branch approved the study (IR.IAU.SEMNAN.REC.2024.063).
Authors’ contributions
- Conceptualization: Mahmoud Najafi, Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Methodology: Mahmoud Najafi, Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Data collection: Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Formal analysis: Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Supervision: Mahmoud Najafi
- Project administration: Mahmoud Najafi
- Writing – original draft: Mahmoud Najafi, Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Writing – review & editing: Mahmoud Najafi, Fatemeh Yaghobi
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-correlational study using structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all students studying in Islamic Azad University of Semnan in 2024, of whom 350 subjects were selected using convenience sampling. The data collection instruments included the Reassurance Seeking Questionnaire (Kobori & Salkovskis, 2013), the Psychological Distress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), and the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (Foa et al., 2002). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and structural equation modeling.
Results: The findings revealed that reassurance-seeking had a positive and significant effect on obsessive-compulsive symptoms (β=0.20, P<0.001). Additionally, the components of psychological distress, including stress (β=0.41, P<0.001), anxiety (β=0.28, P<0.001), and depression (β=0.13, P<0.05) were significant predictors of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Moreover, a positive and significant relationship was observed between reassurance-seeking and the components of psychological distress, including stress (β=0.46, P<0.001), anxiety (β=0.70, P<0.001), and depression (β=0.61, P<0.001); reassurance-seeking indirectly affected obsessive-compulsive symptoms in students through psychological distress (β=0.47, P<0.001).
Conclusion: According to the findings, reassurance-seeking, by increasing psychological distress, provides the basis for the intensification of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Therefore, simultaneous attention to reducing reassurance-seeking behaviors and managing psychological distress seems necessary for developing preventive interventions.
Keywords: Reassurance seeking, Psychological distress, Students, Obsessive-compulsive symptoms
Funding: This study did not receive any funds.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Ethical Considerations (Code of Ethics): The Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Semnan Branch approved the study (IR.IAU.SEMNAN.REC.2024.063).
Authors’ contributions
- Conceptualization: Mahmoud Najafi, Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Methodology: Mahmoud Najafi, Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Data collection: Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Formal analysis: Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Supervision: Mahmoud Najafi
- Project administration: Mahmoud Najafi
- Writing – original draft: Mahmoud Najafi, Fatemeh Yaghobi
- Writing – review & editing: Mahmoud Najafi, Fatemeh Yaghobi
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
روانپزشكي
Received: 2026/05/10 | Accepted: 2026/08/17 | Published: 2026/07/31
Received: 2026/05/10 | Accepted: 2026/08/17 | Published: 2026/07/31
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