Background and Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating pervasive anxiety in students with high autism traits. In general, this research sought to explain pervasive anxiety in students with autism traits based on problem-solving strategies, psychological flexibility, and defense mechanisms. In this study, defense mechanisms were considered as mediating variables.

Method: The method of the present research was correlation in the form of structural equation modeling. In this research, 448 people participated and responded to Behr's autism scale, generalized anxiety, problem solving strategies questionnaire, cognitive flexibility questionnaire and defense mechanisms.

Results: The results of this research showed that pervasive anxiety is explained directly through constructive and non-constructive problem solving strategies, psychological flexibility and undeveloped and developed defense mechanisms. Also, it was found that non-constructive problem solving and psychological flexibility through underdeveloped mechanisms can explain pervasive anxiety. However, other defense mechanisms did not play a mediating role between other exogenous and endogenous variables.

Conclusion: These findings show the effect of cognitive components on pervasive anxiety in students with autism traits.

Keywords: pervasive anxiety, problem solving strategies, psychological flexibility, defense mechanisms, students with autism traits