Objective: The present study aimed to examine the mediating role of obsessive–compulsive symptoms in the relationship between self-esteem and illness anxiety among university students.
Methods: In a descriptive–correlational design, 267 students from Shahid Madani University of Azerbaijan, Tabriz, Iran, were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).
Results: Self-esteem was negatively and significantly correlated with illness anxiety and obsessive–compulsive symptoms (p < .001). Moreover, obsessive–compulsive symptoms were positively and significantly correlated with illness anxiety (p < .05). The direct effects of self-esteem on illness anxiety (β = −.19) and obsessive–compulsive symptoms (β = −.24) were negative and significant. The mediating role of obsessive–compulsive symptoms in the relationship between self-esteem and illness anxiety was also negative and significant (β = −.11).
Conclusions: The findings suggest that self-esteem may influence illness anxiety through the reduction of obsessive–compulsive symptoms. Therefore, psychological interventions focused on enhancing self-esteem may be considered effective in reducing obsessive–compulsive symptoms and illness anxiety among university students.