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The relationship between disgust sensitivity, anxiety and obsessions.
S J Thorpe1, S P Patel, L M Simonds
1University of Surrey, Department of Psychology, School of Human Sciences, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK. s.thorpe@surrey.ac.uk
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|October 30, 2003
Summary
Disgust sensitivity is linked to obsessive-compulsive symptoms, particularly washing compulsions. This finding suggests a connection between disgust and various anxiety-related variables in individuals with obsessions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions.
- Disgust sensitivity is a proposed factor in the development and maintenance of certain OCD symptoms.
- Understanding the role of disgust sensitivity can refine theoretical models of OCD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between disgust sensitivity and various psychological variables.
- To examine the specific role of disgust sensitivity in different types of obsessions and compulsions.
- To determine if disgust sensitivity predicts obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 300 participants, including those from an obsessional support group.
- Participants completed questionnaires assessing disgust sensitivity, health anxiety, general anxiety, fear of death, fear of contamination, and obsessionality.
- Statistical analyses, including multiple regression, were used to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- A significant relationship was found between disgust sensitivity and overall obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCI scores for frequency and distress).
- Disgust sensitivity scores correlated with health anxiety, general anxiety, and most obsessional subscales, excluding hoarding.
- Disgust sensitivity was a significant predictor of washing compulsion frequency, while health anxiety predicted washing distress.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that disgust sensitivity is related to targeted psychological variables in obsessionality.
- Disgust sensitivity appears particularly relevant to washing compulsions.
- Further research into disgust sensitivity and obsessionality could enhance theoretical understanding of OCD.