Thought Control Questionnaire Research Articles

The Effects of Metacognition on Social Functioning in Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of metacognitive beliefs and thought-control strategies on social functioning and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The cross-sectional study sample consisted of 62 patients diagnosed with OCD and 58 healthy controls. OCD was determined by detailed mental examination and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was applied. All the participants completed the Metacognition Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ), Social Functioning Scale (SFS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age, gender, education, or marital status between the patients and the healthy control group ( P > 0.05). The MCQ-30 total and subgroups scores except positive belief, BDI, and BAI of patients with OCD were statistically higher than healthy controls. SFS total and the subgroup scores of patients with OCD were statistically lower than healthy controls. The results revealed that metacognition was associated with obsessive-compulsive symptom severity and social functioning; social functioning was affected by all of the symptoms but mainly by depression. Handling metacognition and depressive symptoms may be useful for increasing social functioning of patients with OCD. More studies in the future should consider the results. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(4):e125–e134.]

The Mediating Role of Social Health in the Relationships Between Depression, Lifestyle, and Control Over Negative Thoughts Among Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Background: Caring for children with intellectual disabilities presents physical and emotional challenges for mothers, who may experience increased depression as a result. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the mediating role of social health in the association between depression, lifestyle, and control over negative thoughts among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. Methods: In this descriptive correlational study, the research population comprised mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in Tehran in 2020. A sample of 213 mothers was selected via convenience sampling according to the number of variables under investigation. Data collection tools included the Beck Depression Inventory, Thought Control Questionnaire, Lifestyle Assessment Inventory, and Social Well-being Scale. Structural equation modeling was utilized to assess the proposed model. Results: There was a significant direct and inverse relationship between control over negative thoughts and depression, as well as between social health and depression, among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities (P < 0.001). The findings indicated a significant positive relationship between control over negative thoughts and social health and between lifestyle and social health (P < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between lifestyle and depression. The study also revealed a significant indirect relationship between control over negative thoughts and depression, mediated by social health. Similarly, the association between lifestyle and depression, mediated by social health, was significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The model demonstrated a strong fit and can inform the creation and implementation of interventions aimed at alleviating stress and reducing depression among these mothers.

Experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, and body-checking among women during pregnancy and postpartum: Buffering effect of self-compassion.

The present study attempted to explore the psychological experiences of experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, self-compassion and body-checking during two stages of maternity (pregnancy and postpartum) among women embracing maternity for the first time. The study used a cross sectional correlational design and enrolled 306 women participants who were in their third trimester of pregnancy or of postpartum (pregnant = 154 [50.3%]; postpartum = 152 [49.7%]) with ages ranging between 20 and 35 years (M = 26.62; SD = 2.19). The data was collected using the Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ); Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ); Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ); Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Body-checking Questionnaire (BCQ). Data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21. A significant positive association was observed between experiential avoidance, thought suppression, meta-cognition, and body-checking while self-compassion showed reverse association with these variables. The body-checking outcome was significantly negatively predicted by self-compassionate attitude and positively by thought suppression in both groups (i.e., pregnant and postpartum). The experiential avoidance positively predicted body-checking among women in post-partum group only. Moreover, a mediating association of experiential avoidance and a moderating effect of self-compassion (self-kindness and common humanity) and meta-cognition (positive beliefs about worry and need to control thought) were also observed to moderate between thought suppression and body-checking outcomes. The study concluded that experiential avoidance and thought suppression contribute in developing body-checking behaviors among women who are pregnant or at postpartum stage of maternity. In addition, self-compassion and meta-cognition moderate this association with self-compassion playing potential buffer.

Comparison of Behavioral Systems and Thought Control in Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Major Depression, Panic Disorder, and Healthy Individuals

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare behavioral systems and thought control among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, panic disorder, and healthy individuals. Methods and Materials: The method of the current research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-post-event in terms of implementation. The study population included all individuals attending neurology and psychiatry clinics in Qom during 2021-2022. In this study, a total of 200 individuals were selected as the sample (individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder: 50, individuals with major depression: 50, individuals with panic disorder: 50, and healthy individuals: 50) using a non-random and convenient sampling method. The research tools included the Carver and White (1994) Behavioral Systems Questionnaires and the Wells and Davies (1994) Thought Control Questionnaire. The research data were analyzed using the SPSS-24 statistical software, through descriptive and inferential statistics, specifically the multivariate analysis of variance. Findings: The results of the analysis indicated that behavioral systems and thought control vary among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, panic disorder, and healthy individuals. Conclusion: Therefore, in the current study, thought control varies among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, panic disorder, and healthy individuals.

Beyond the Bedroom: How Resilience and Thought Control Influence Sexual Satisfaction

This study aimed to explore the predictive relationships between resilience, thought control, and sexual satisfaction among adults in romantic relationships. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 450 participants through validated scales measuring sexual satisfaction (Index of Sexual Satisfaction), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), and thought control (Thought Control Questionnaire). Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 to examine the predictive value of resilience and thought control on sexual satisfaction. The regression analysis revealed that both resilience (β = 0.29, p < 0.01) and thought control (β = 0.30, p < 0.01) significantly predicted sexual satisfaction, accounting for 49% of the variance in sexual satisfaction scores. The findings suggest a substantial relationship between these psychological constructs and sexual satisfaction. The study underscores the importance of resilience and thought control as significant predictors of sexual satisfaction. These findings highlight the need for incorporating psychological resilience and cognitive strategies into interventions aimed at enhancing sexual well-being in intimate relationships.

Acceptance and commitment therapy as an add-on treatment for the management of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and long-lasting illness affecting approximately 2% of the population. Up to 40%-60% of patients with OCD do not have satisfactory outcomes, thereby leading to disability in performing daily routine activities. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) provides a substitute for old-fashioned psychotherapies, as it involves the client directly experiencing the problematic emotion, that is, anxiety and obsessions in the case of OCD. To observe the effect of ACT on patients with OCD and compare its effect on obsessive compulsive symptoms, thought control, thought and action fusion, acceptance and action, and depression. A total of 62 patients diagnosed with OCD as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) in the age range between 18 and 60 years, having duration of illness less than two years, both male and female, literate and illiterate, hailing from rural and urban background, were included in the study. For pre- and post-assessment Yale-Brown Obsessive and Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), acceptance and commitment questionnaire, thought control questionnaire, and thought and action fusion questionnaire were used in this study, and ACT was used for management of OCD. There is a significant difference between the groups treated with ACT and those treated as usual, on every domain of thought control questionnaire (TCQ) -- distraction (t = 9.07), social control (t = 11.13), worry (t = 11.93), punishment (t = 16.78), and re-appraisal (t = 16.47). Significance is also seen in the thought and action fusion in the moral domain (t = 16.22), the likelihood domain (t = 16.49), and others (t = 9.23). On Y-BOCS, HDRS, and acceptance and action questionnaire (AAQ) both groups show a significant difference between each other. The findings of the present study indicate that ACT is a productive method for patients with OCD as it encourages the patient to accept and integrate their lived experiences, challenges effective responses, and recognizes and eliminates the controlling dimensions.

Investigation of Thought Control and Obsessive Beliefs in Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder

Aims: Obsessive beliefs and thought control are often thought to be associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. However, the relationship with anxiety disorders has recently been investigated in the literature. In this study, Obsessive Beliefs and Thought Control levels in patients diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder were investigated. It is aimed to contribute to the literature on the cognitive aspects of anxiety disorders.
 Material and Method: According to DSM 5 diagnostic criteria, 71 patients diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, 63 patients diagnosed with Panic Disorder and 63 healthy controls were included in the study. The participants were applied the Thought Control Questionnaire and Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire. In addition, Beck Anxiety Scale was applied to patients diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Agoraphobia Scale was applied to patients diagnosed with Panic Disorder.
 Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in Distraction (F=11.383; p=

The relationships among metacognitive functions, sleep-related thought-control strategies and sleep quality: A mediation analysis.

In the context of sleep disturbances, increasing evidence suggests a critical role of sleep-related dysfunctional metacognitive activity, including metacognitive control of intrusive thoughts in the pre-sleep period. Although the relationship between sleep-related thought-control strategies and poor sleep quality is well recognized, the possible contribution of general metacognitive functioning within this relation is still unclear. In this study, we performed a mediation analysis to examine the role of thought-control strategies on the relationship between metacognitive abilities and sleep quality in individuals with different self-reported sleep characteristics. Two-hundred and forty-five individuals participated in the study. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Thought Control Questionnaire Insomnia-Revised, and the Metacognition Self-Assessment Scale to evaluate sleep quality, thought-control strategies and metacognitive functions, respectively. The results showed that worry strategy in the pre-sleep period mediates the relationship between metacognitive functions and sleep quality. Particularly, the ability to understand one's mental states and mastery functions could be the two metacognitive domains primarily involved in the dysfunctional metacognitive thought-control activity responsible for reduced sleep quality. The observed effect suggests that inadequate metacognitive functioning is associated with poor sleep quality in healthy subjects via the mediation of dysfunctional worry strategy. These findings suggest the potential relevance of clinical interventions to enhance specific metacognitive abilities, with the aim to promote more functional strategies for managing cognitive and emotional processes during the pre-sleep period.

Do Sleep-Related Metacognitive Strategies Shape My Sleep? The Relationships between Strategies for Controlling Sleep-Related Intrusive Thoughts and Subjective and Objective Sleep Quality in Young Adulthood and Older Age

This study examined the associations between thought control strategies and subjective and objective sleep quality, across the adult lifespan. One hundred forty-nine individuals without insomnia (age range 18-86 years; M = 45.35, SD = 20.53) completed the Thought Control Questionnaire Insomnia-Revised for assessing sleep-related thought control strategies. Self-reported sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Then, subjective and objective sleep parameters (i.e., total sleep time, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency) were recorded through a sleep diary and an actigraph across 7 days. Results from linear mixed-effects models showed that a worry strategy was associated with longer subjective sleep latency and shorter subjective total sleeping time. An aggressive suppression strategy was associated with longer subjective total sleeping time. No such involvement of thought control strategies was detected for subjective sleep efficiency and all of the objective sleep parameters. Other individual differences (i.e., age, sex, circadian preference, self-reported sleep quality) also explained both subjective and objective sleep parameters, though to a different extent depending on the sleep parameter considered. The assessment of sleep-related thought control strategies, along with other individual characteristics, should be considered to account for individual differences in sleep quality and implement practices/interventions to support it in adulthood and older age.

Emotional regulation, Thought control and Coping mechanism among Smokers and Non smokers

Tobacco is the foremost preventable cause of death and disease in the world today killing half of people who use it. The aim of the present study is to examine the emotional regulation, thought control, and coping mechanisms among smokers and non- smokers. Smoking reduces lung function, which lowers immunity and makes it more difficult for the body to fight off several diseases. Because smoking damages upper airways and lowers pulmonary immune, function, using e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pan masala, and similar items can increase the risk and severity of pulmonary infections. Excessive smoking can lead to psychological- distress and impairment. This includes impaired emotional regulation, thought control and failure to use coping styles. For understanding these changes, a quantitative study was conducted to examine the emotional regulation, thought control, and coping strategies among smokers and non-smokers. The sample of present study consist of 30 smokers and 30 non-smokers with the age group of 20-35 years. The samples were collected using convenient sampling. Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ), and Brief Cope were used in the study as tools. The data was analyzed using SPSS. Mann Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. The study found that there is no significance between the emotional regulation, thought control, and coping mechanism among smokers and non- smokers. But by analyzing the mean score it was found that the brief control, and emotional regulation were high among non-smokers when compared to smokers and thought control were high among the smokers.

Strategies for Controlling Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts and Insomnia Severity in Urban-Residing Young Adult African Americans

ABSTRACT Introduction Poor sleep is common in our society, particularly for African Americans, and is associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Unwanted, intrusive thoughts contribute to sleep disturbances and can be engendered by living in stressful urban environments, which are disproportionately inhabited by African Americans. Studies of other populations have shown that cognitive coping strategies to manage intrusive thoughts vary in their adaptiveness. Objective To examine the relationship between thought control strategies and insomnia severity in urban residing young-adult African Americans. Method Sixty-four young adult African Americans completed a demographic questionnaire, the Thought Control Questionnaire for Insomnia-revised, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Results There were moderate to strong positive correlations of aggressive suppression, worry, behavioral distraction, and social avoidance with ISI scores. Poor sleepers endorsed greater use of worry and aggressive suppression than good sleepers. Results from a multiple linear regression analysis revealed that aggressive suppression, social avoidance, and behavioral distraction significantly predicted insomnia severity, and aggressive suppression was the strongest predictor in the model. Conclusions These results extend findings of aggressive suppression as a correlate of insomnia severity to an urban-residing young adult African American sample. Future research should identify adaptive approaches and the utility of modifying maladaptive strategies.

Mediating Role of Perfectionism between Thought Control Strategies and Test Anxiety

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between thought control strategies and test anxiety: the mediating role of perfectionism among male and female students of high schools for the gifted in the first and second districts of Kerman in 2017. It was a descriptive and correlational study. The statistical population of the study included female and male students of high schools for the gifted in the first and second districts of Kerman in the age range of 12 to 18 years old with a total sample size of 2400 subjects. Considering the population size and the sample size, a total number of 331 subjects were selected according to Morgan's table. Participants were selected randomly in a multi-stage cluster sampling and pun within each cluster by a simple random method. The research tools were the Thought Control Questionnaire of Wells and Matthews (1994), the Test Anxiety questionnaire of Sarason (1957) and Frost et al. (1990) questionnaire on perfectionism. Research results using Pearson's correlation coefficient and the indirect effect (mediator variable) using bootstrap method in Preacher and Hayes’ Macro SPSS program (2004) showed that thought control had a significant effect on perfectionism and perfectionism had a significant effect on test anxiety. However, thought control strategies did not have a significant effect on test anxiety.

The Jordanian Version of the Thought Control Questionnaire Insomnia-Revised (TCQI-R).

Individuals suffer from insomnia through the presence of extraneous thoughts. Furthermore, there are cognitive and behavioral aspects, which afflict a person when they have insomnia. In this context, there are strategies to address these thoughts. The Thought Control Questionnaire: Insomnia-Revised (TCQI-R) is a self-reporting instrument that aims to evaluate the strategies used by individuals to control their thoughts when suffering from insomnia. This study aimed to translate and adapt the TCQI-R to the Jordanian society. In this study, the questionnaire was applied to a sample of 361 participants aged between 19 and 61 years, of which 210 were women (58%). The principal component analysis determined five components: reappraisal, cognitive distraction, aggressive suppression, worry, and behavioral distraction. Each of the total scores of the questionnaire (α = 0.90) and its five components (Cronbach’s α between 0.75 and 0.83) demonstrated high internal consistency. The results of the triple analysis of variance established that the instrument can distinguish between depressed and non-depressed people, anxious and non-anxious people, and people who suffer from insomnia and those who do not. Additionally, the results revealed significant statistical correlations between each of the total scores of the questionnaire and its five components as well as with the related scales. Finally, multiple regression analysis demonstrated the ability of the TCQI-R to predict depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and the prediction ratio for the overall score were 32.4%, 36.6%, and 42.6%, respectively. This indicates that worry and cognitive distraction were the most powerful strategies in dealing with insomnia. This instrument has the ability to assess and diagnose intrusive thoughts and adjust the strategies used to overcome insomnia.

375 Thought Control Strategies and Insomnia Severity in young-adult urban residing African Americans

Abstract Introduction Poor sleep is common in our society, particularly for African Americans. Unwanted, intrusive thoughts at bedtime contribute to sleep disturbances, and the nature of intrusive thoughts may be influenced by perception of threat among people living in stressful urban environments. Research has suggested that strategies to control intrusive thoughts vary in their adaptiveness and may be modifiable. These findings need to be confirmed in populations residing in stressful urban environments where perceived threats contribute to intrusive thoughts.The present study attempts to replicate prior research examining the relationship between thought control strategies and insomnia in urban residing young-adult African Americans. Methods Sixty-three young-adult African Americans completed the Thought Control Questionnaire for Insomnia-Revised and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results Thought control strategies previously associated with insomnia were significantly correlated with the ISI (aggressive suppression r=0.51, p<0.01 social avoidance r=0.32, p<.01, behavioral distraction r=0.386, p<0.01 and worry r=0.51, p<0.01). We did not find significant associations between the thought control strategy previously associated with healthy sleep and the ISI (cognitive distraction r= 0.20, p>0.05). In a grouped comparison between good sleepers and those with insomnia worry was the only subscale that was endorsed significantly greater among those with insomnia (t(61)=-2.91, p<.05) Conclusion These preliminary data replicate prior findings that suggest that aggressive suppression and worry are maladaptive thought control strategies. in a young-adult African American sample. Future research with a larger sample is needed to identify strategies that can improve sleep in this population. Support (if any) 5R01HL136626 from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Measurement of Unwanted Thought Suppression Strategies with the Thought Control Questionnaire in the General Polish Population: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Validation.

IntroductionAlthough psychological studies have suggested both the desired and paradoxical effects of unwanted thought suppression, we still know little about this mechanism. It has been proposed that individual differences in using specific strategies to suppress intrusions explain why contradictory effects of suppression are observed. The main aims of the study were to investigate the factor structure of the Polish version of Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ) and verify whether this structure corresponds to the original version of the TCQ measurement.MethodsUsing the TCQ, which is a 30-item self-report measure, this research investigated individual thought control strategies to suppress intrusive thoughts in the general population. We used parallel analysis and theoretical interpretability to investigate the most appropriate factor structure of the inventory. To examine the validity of the Polish version of TCQ the correlational analysis of TCQ factors with other psychometric scales: Beck Depression Inventory, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and The Metacognitions Questionnaire. The internal consistency of the TCQ subscales was also assessed by calculating the Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for each factor.ResultsThe resulting five-factor solution explained 51.86% of the total variance. The Polish version of TCQ consisted of five subscales yielding satisfactory reliability values: 1) Punishment (α = 0.725); 2) Distraction (α = 0.688); 3) Social Control (α = 0.780); 4) Worry (α = 0.788; 5) Re-appraisal (α = 0.70).ConclusionThe five-factor solution was convergent with the dimensions that appeared in the original TCQ version and were observed in the most TCQ adaptations in various countries. Our findings support the psychological construct of thought-control strategies measured by TCQ and prove the satisfactory reliability of this self-report measure within a Polish population.

Metacognitions in Symptomatic and Remitted Patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Preliminary Evidence for Metacognitive State and Trait Markers.

Background:The phenomenon of metacognition is instrumental in the conceptualization and management of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Studies on the comparison between metacognitions in OCD patients and healthy controls or those with other clinical conditions have been conducted. We aimed to compare metacognitions among currently symptomatic OCD (S-OCD) patients, currently remitted OCD patients (R-OCD), and healthy controls (HC).Method:This cross-sectional research was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital in North India. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit 40 OCD patients, including an equal number of R-OCD and S-OCD patients, and 20 HC matched for age and education. Meta-Cognition Questionnaire and Thought Control Questionnaire were used to assess metacognitive functions.Results:The findings showed a gradient of highest maladaptive metacognitions in the S-OCD group and lowest in HC. In the OCD subgroups, specific metacognitive beliefs (negative beliefs F = 65.52; need to control thoughts F = 61.03) and strategies (worry F = 83.55; low distraction F = 105.61) remained significantly different (P ≤ 0.001) between S-OCD and R-OCD patients. Certain other metacognitions remained consistently more or less stable between S-OCD and R-OCD patients, that is, metacognitive beliefs (cognitive confidence F = 11.43; cognitive self-consciousness F = 37.12) and strategies (punishment F = 17.45; low social control F = 12.89). This finding is further corroborated by positive correlations of severity of OCD with need to control thoughts (r = 0.66, P < 0.001), negative beliefs (r = 0.63, P < 0.001), and worry (r = 0.76, P < 0.001), and negative correlations with distraction (r = – 0.79, P < 0.001).Conclusion:The study provides preliminary evidence for specific metacognitions distinguished as potential state and trait markers for OCD, which needs to be established on a larger sample using a longitudinal study design.

Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of the Food Thought Suppression Inventory for Obese University Students.

To determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Food Thought Suppression Inventory (FTSI) in overweight university students in Iran. A sample of 233 overweight students were recruited from five universities in Tehran. Participants were asked to complete the Persian versions of FTSI, Binge Eating Scale, Thought Control Questionnaire, Rumination Response Scale, and Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics of participants were also collected. Validity of the Persian version of the FTSI was verified by the fitting indices of the proposed single-factor model of the main makers (χ2 = 112.75, df = 90, p = 0.052, χ2 / df = 1.25, goodness-of-fit index = 0.93, comparative fit index = 0.96, non-normed fitness index = 0.96, root mean score of error approximation = 0.032, and standardised root mean residual = 0.052). Internal consistency of the instrument was high, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88. The Persian version of the FTSI is a valid and reliable tool for screening patients in obesity clinics and for evaluating treatment outcomes.

Strategies for controlling sleep-related intrusive thoughts, and subjective and objective sleep quality: how self-reported poor and good sleepers differ

Objectives Along with changes in subjective and objective sleep patterns, metacognitive control of intrusive and unwanted thoughts at bedtime has been shown to significantly influence sleep quality. The present study examined individual differences between self-reported poor and good sleepers’ thought control strategies, as well as their subjective and objective sleep quality, considering adults in a broad range of ages. Method The study involved 147 individuals aged 18-79 years, divided into self-reported poor and good sleepers using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants’ thought control strategies were assessed using the Thought Control Questionnaire for Insomnia - Revised (TCQI-r). Subjective sleep parameters were recorded in a sleep diary, and objective sleep parameters were measured over 7 days using actigraphy. Results Self-reported poor sleepers employed aggressive suppression, reappraisal and worry strategies more than self-reported good sleepers. On logistic regression, the use of reappraisal and worry strategies distinguished between poor and good sleepers, while age did not. Self-reported poor sleepers objectively had a much longer sleep onset latency, a shorter total sleeping time, and a lower sleep efficiency, as well as subjectively longer times awake again after sleep onset, and a lower sleep efficiency than self-reported good sleepers. Conclusion Together with some subjective and objective sleep parameters, the use of certain thought control strategies (reappraisal and worry, in particular) seems to be one of the crucial aspects accounting for individual differences between self-reported poor and good sleepers.

Psychometric properties of Persian version of Cognitive Behavioural Avoidance Scale: results from student, general population and clinical samples in Iran.

There is no published evidence about the psychometric properties of the Cognitive Behavioral Avoidance Scale (CBAS) in Eastern cultures. The current research evaluated the psychometric properties of a Persian version of the CBAS. The research consisted of two studies. In Study 1, a university student sample (n = 702) completed the CBAS, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Thought Control Questionnaire and the Anxious Thoughts Inventory. In Study 2, a general population sample (n = 384) and a clinical sample (n = 152) completed the CBAS, the Young Compensation Inventory and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21. Exploratory factor analysis of the data from Study 1 suggested a four-factor solution for CBAS. The CBAS had acceptable internal consistency and test-re-test reliability, and showed significant correlations with depression symptoms and anxious thoughts. Confirmatory factor analysis of the data from Study 2 indicated good fit between the four-factor model and data. The CBAS had a significant relationship with depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, but no associations with schema compensatory behaviour strategy. Finally, the CBAS and its subscales successfully distinguished a clinical sample from a general population sample. The findings provide preliminary evidence for reliability and validity of the CBAS among Iranian student, general population and clinical samples.

Couples-based coping training on thought control strategies of spouses of cancer patients - a study

The stress of a patient's cancer can easily be felt by her partner so that the cancer becomes a shared stress or a “we-disease.” In this article, we look at how couples experience the cancer diagnosis and treatment and the ways they cope together with the illness. As practitioners, we are particularly interested in understanding the process of mutual support and the characteristics associated with a couple's coping that lead to a positive adjustment to cancer. A total of 187 spouses of cancer patients attending oncology clinics of two hospitals in Tehran, Iran, participated in the research program. Data collection was done using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Thought Control Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory. The research sample consisted of 29 married spouses of cancer patients. The prevalence of probable mixed anxiety depression disorder (MADD) among the spouses was 15.5%. In the present study, we examined changes in thought control strategies for MADD patients who underwent couples-based coping training. The couples-based coping training sessions extended for 45 minutes and were held once weekly. All of the thought control strategies were positively associated with MADD. Mutual support for couples with cancer can substantially benefit family and patient functioning and caregiver burden.