Comparison of the Theories of Mind, Memory and Executive Functioning in Obsessive-Compulsive Patients and Normal Individuals
Subject Areas : Thoughts and Behavior in Clinical Psychology
Keywords: obsessive-compulsive disorder, Mind Theory, memory, executive functioning,
Abstract :
The theory of mind is the cognitive capacity of reflecting mental states of oneself and others and indicative of attribution capability of mental states such as beliefs, desires, emotions and intentions toward oneself and others. In the recent years, Considerable attention has been devoted to the investigation of mind, memory and executive functioning theory among the individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders. The present research purpose is to compare theory of mind, memory and executive functioning in obsessive-compulsive patients and normal individuals. Therefore, in a causal-comparative study, 40 individuals (20 patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and 20 normal individuals) were selected using convenience sampling and tested in terms of mind, memory and executive functioning. The results of multivariate covariance analysis (MANOVA) indicated the between-group difference in terms of the scores of mind, verbal memory, visual memory and executive functioning among normal individuals and patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. It can be concluded that neuropsychological deficiencies results in the weaker performance of these patients as compared to normal individuals.