Cognitive defusion as a mediator in the autobiographical memory and metacognitive awareness pathway to problem-solving in borderline personality disorder

• Cognitive defusion mediates the relationship between autobiographical memory, Metacognitive awareness, and problem-solving in borderline personality disorder. • Autobiographical memory and Metacognitive awareness impact problem-solving skills both directly and indirectly through cognitive defusion. • Improving cognitive defusion could enhance problem-solving skills in borderline personality disorder. Problem-solving ability is influenced by numerous cognitive factors. However, a significant research gap exists regarding the mediating role of cognitive defusion in the relationship between autobiographical memory (AM) and metacognitive awareness with problem-solving. Given the critical role of problem-solving, this study aimed to model the relationship between AM and metacognitive awareness with problem-solving, considering the mediating role of cognitive defusion in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The study population comprised all individuals with BPD referred to counseling centers and psychiatric clinics in Kurdistan province. A sample of 300 individuals diagnosed with BPD according to the DSM-V and willing to participate was selected. All data were collected using self-report questionnaires. Path analysis results indicated that AM and metacognitive awareness had a significant positive direct effect on both problem-solving and cognitive defusion. Additionally, cognitive defusion significantly mediated the relationships between AM and metacognitive awareness with problem-solving. These findings provide evidence for the significant roles of AM and metacognitive awareness in problem-solving, with cognitive defusion acting as a crucial mediating factor in individuals with BPD. these results offer valuable insights for both theoretical understanding and clinical interventions, which could enhance problem-solving skills in individuals with BPD by strengthening cognitive defusion.