The mediator role of irrational beliefs of basic psychological needs in the relationship between higher-order factors of personality and oppositional defiant disorder

The main purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of irrational beliefs of basic psychological needs in the relationship between higher-order factors of personality and oppositional defiant disorder. The participants of this study consisted of 150 male patients with ODD whose ages range from 8-17. In order to gather data, Big Five Inventory (BFI), Rational Emotive Self Determination Scale (RESD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder Rating Scale and Demographic Information Form developed by researcher were used. Within the context of the study, Structural Equation Modelling was applied to test the proposed model. The findings of the study showed that irrational beliefs on autonomy need mediated the relationship between higher- order factors of personality and oppositional defiant disorder, whereas irrational beliefs on relevance and competence needs didn't play a mediating role in this relationship. These results were discussed in the frame of relevant literature, and suggestions were made for new studies.