Relationship between Thought Control Strategies and Psychological Flexibility on Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Abstract

The present study employed a correlational research design with a predictive component to examine the relationship between thought control strategies and psychological flexibility in individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This design allowed the investigation of associations among variables while simultaneously identifying which thought control strategies significantly predict psychological flexibility through multiple regression analysis. A total of 60 participants, aged 25–55 years, diagnosed with GAD were recruited from hospital settings, using purposive sampling. Data were collected using two standardized instruments. The Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ; Wells & Davies, 1994), assessed participants’ cognitive strategies for managing intrusive thoughts, while the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II; Bond et al., 2011) evaluated psychological flexibility, with higher scores indicating greater experiential avoidance and lower flexibility. The results as follows: The present study indicates that individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) predominantly employ maladaptive thought control strategies, particularly worry and punishment, while adaptive strategies such as reappraisal are least utilized. The regression results indicated that Distraction, Social Control, Worry, and Reappraisal significantly predicted psychological flexibility, whereas Punishment did not. Distraction and Reappraisal were positive predictors, enhancing adaptability, while Worry and Social Control showed negative associations. The review concludes with a summary of major research findings, as well as a consideration of future directions and implications for practice and policy.