What is it about?
This study investigates the prevalence of twisted (distorted) thinking among young university students at the University of Mosul, Iraq. Using a specially designed 40-item test, researchers measured eight patterns of cognitive distortion — including catastrophic thoughts, negative filtering, black-or-white thinking, mind reading, overgeneralization, evidence dismissal, and emotional reasoning — in a stratified random sample of 400 male and female second-year students across different academic specializations. The study found that students scored significantly above the hypothetical mean, indicating high levels of twisted thinking in this population.
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Why is it important?
Twisted thinking patterns are directly linked to anxiety, depression, and poor academic performance among university students. This research is timely because it provides a validated psychometric tool for measuring cognitive distortions in an Arabic-speaking university context — a gap in the existing literature. The findings highlight the urgent need for psychological support programs and cognitive-behavioral interventions within Iraqi universities. Understanding these patterns can help educators, counselors, and policymakers design targeted programs to promote rational thinking and mental well-being among youth, ultimately improving their academic success and social functioning.
Perspectives
As a researcher in educational and psychological sciences, I believe this study sheds light on a largely overlooked issue in Arab academic environments. The high levels of twisted thinking we observed are not merely individual psychological problems — they reflect broader cultural, educational, and social influences that shape how young people process reality. Addressing these distortions requires a systemic approach that integrates cognitive-behavioral education into university curricula, not just remedial counseling. I hope this validated measurement tool will serve as a foundation for future intervention studies across the Arab world.
Dr. Mohammed Hashim Taha Sulaiman AL-Ogaidi
University of Mosul
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Measuring Twisted Thinking among Young University Students, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, January 2026, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science,
DOI: 10.47772/ijriss.2026.10200290.
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