The moderating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between childhood experiences and cognitive distortions

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between childhood experiences and cognitive distortions and to reveal how this relationship is moderated by the level of cognitive flexibility. The study included 388 male and female participants aged between 18 and 59 residing in Turkey. The data of the research were collected using the Demographic Information Form, Childhood Experiences Scale, Cognitive Distortions Scale, and Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. The data collection process was carried out through online platforms. The data obtained from the sample were analyzed using SPSS 23 statistical program; Pearson and Spearman Correlation Analyses, Independent Samples t-Test, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and moderation analyses were conducted. Correlation analyses showed a positive and strong relationship between childhood experiences and cognitive distortions and their sub-dimensions; a negative and strong relationship between cognitive flexibility and cognitive distortions and their sub-dimensions; and a negative and strong relationship between childhood experiences and cognitive flexibility. In order to examine the moderating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between childhood experiences and cognitive distortions, moderation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS Macro program Model 1. In the moderation analysis, it was found that the model explained 35% of the total variance and was generally significant. However, the moderating effect of cognitive flexibility was not found to be significant.