Uncertain and Fused: Cognitive Fusion, Thought-Action Fusion, and the Intolerance of Uncertainty as Predictors of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Dimensions

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioral models of obsessions, although widely accepted, do not entirely explain obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms. Constructs from relational frame theory (RFT; e.g., cognitive fusion—the tendency for behavior to be overly regulated and influenced by cognition) may improve our understanding of OC symptoms above and beyond cognitive-behavioral constructs (e.g., intolerance of uncertainty [IU]). This study examined the extent to which cognitive fusion accounts for unique variability in four OC symptom dimensions: contamination, responsibility for harm, unacceptable thoughts, and order/symmetry. Participants completed measures of cognitive fusion, general distress, thought action fusion, IU, and OC symptoms. Regression analyses showed that IU and thought-action fusion (TAF) were significant predictors across the OC symptom dimensions; however, cognitive fusion was only a unique predictor of the unacceptable thoughts symptom dimension. Results support the notion that RFT may best relate to the unacceptable thoughts domain of OCD. Study findings, limitations, and future directions are discussed.