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The Correlation of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms with Interpersonal Problems in Male Students: The Mediating Role of Empathy and Self-Compassion

Document Type : Research Article (s)

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

2 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Individuals with obsessive-compulsive symptoms often face interpersonal challenges and impaired social functioning. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and interpersonal issues in adolescents, highlighting the mediating role of empathy and self-compassion.
Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional correlational design was adopted using a serial path analysis model. The statistical population comprised all male senior high school students, aged 15 to 18 years, in Mashhad, Iran, during the 2022–2023 academic year. Through the multistage cluster random sampling method, 597 students were selected. Data were collected using Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Child Version (OCI-CV), Interpersonal Problems Questionnaire (IIP-32), Self-Compassion Scale for Youth (SCS-Y), Empathy Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (EmQue-CA) and analyzed with SPSS version 26 and PROCESS macro.
Results: Path analysis showed a significant direct correlation between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and interpersonal problems (β=0.22, P<0.001). Indirect analysis indicated that this correlation is mediated by self-compassion and empathy (β=0.34, 95% CI [0.25, 0.42]). Specifically, self-compassion (β=0.23, 95% CI [0.16, 0.31]) and empathy (β=0.07, 95% CI [0.01, 0.12]) independently mediated the association. The serial mediation effect through both self-compassion and empathy was also significant (β=0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.08]).
Conclusions: The study results implied that diminished levels of self-compassion and empathy could be significant contributing factors to interpersonal challenges in individuals with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Therefore, enhancing these psychological traits could be considered an effective approach in clinical interventions aimed at reducing the interpersonal consequences associated with this disorder.

Highlights

Leila Hefazi Torghabeh: (Google Scholar) 

Mahmoud Najafi: (Google Scholar) 

Keywords

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International Journal of School Health
Volume 13, Issue 1 - Serial Number 48
January 2026
Pages 73-82
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