Further validation of the Multidimensional Version of the Fear‐of‐Self Questionnaire in a Persian non‐clinical and clinical obsessive–compulsive disorder sample

Previous research has shown that vulnerable self‐themes and feared self‐perceptions may play an important role in the development and maintenance of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). In particular, the recently validated Multidimensional Version of the Fear‐of‐Self Questionnaire (FSQ‐MV) has shown strong relationships with OCD symptoms independent of cognitive constructs and negative mood in non‐clinical samples. The current study aimed to further evaluate the validity and reliability of a Persian version of the FSQ‐MV in OCD patients (N = 300), as well as non‐clinical individuals (N = 300). Participants completed a set of scales evaluating feared self‐perceptions and OCD‐related symptoms/conditions. The results showed that the Persian version of the FSQ‐MV replicated the three‐factor structure of the original scale in non‐clinical and OCD patients. The FSQ‐MV and its subscales had excellent reliability. Additionally, the FSQ‐MV was significantly associated with related cognitive constructs, as well as OCD symptoms and their severity, in both samples. The feared self, especially the corrupted feared self, was a significant unique predictor of OC symptomology, especially for repugnant obsessions, and OCD severity. The study confirmed the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the FSQ‐MV. Moreover, cognitive conceptualizations may benefit from a consideration of the feared self in OCD, which may play an important role in its development, maintenance and severity.