The Mediating Role of Cognitive Fusion in the Link Between Childhood and Adolescent Trauma and the Severity of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63053/ijhes.199Keywords:
Childhood Trauma, Adolescent Trauma, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Cognitive Fusion, MediationAbstract
Background: Childhood and adolescent trauma are well-established risk factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adulthood. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain incompletely understood. Cognitive fusion—the tendency for thoughts to dominate behavior and override other forms of behavioral regulation—may be a critical mediator. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of cognitive fusion in the relationship between childhood/adolescent trauma and the severity of GAD symptoms in adults.
Methods: This fundamental research employed a descriptive-correlational design using path analysis. The statistical population included all adults aged 18–50 years diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder attending psychology and psychiatry clinics in Tehran during 2024–2025. A total of 210 participants (142 female, 68 male) were selected using convenience sampling. Data collection instruments included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ). Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and path analysis was conducted using AMOS version 26.
Results: Direct effects of childhood/adolescent trauma on GAD symptom severity (β = 0.48, P < 0.001) and on cognitive fusion (β = 0.56, P < 0.001) were significant and positive. Cognitive fusion significantly predicted GAD symptom severity (β = 0.61, P < 0.001). The indirect effect of childhood/adolescent trauma on GAD symptom severity through cognitive fusion was significant (β = 0.34, P < 0.001), accounting for 41.5% of the total effect. The model explained 52% of the variance in GAD symptom severity.
Conclusion: Cognitive fusion partially mediates the relationship between childhood/adolescent trauma and GAD symptom severity in adults. Interventions targeting cognitive fusion, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, may be particularly beneficial for trauma-exposed individuals with GAD.
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