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Related Experiment Videos

Why are some obsessions more upsetting than others?

Karen Rowa1, Christine Purdon, Laura J Summerfeldt

  • 1Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ont., and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Canada. krowa@stjosham.on.ca

Behaviour Research and Therapy
|September 15, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) obsessions are more distressing when they hold personal meaning or threaten self-identity. Cognitive appraisals of obsessional thoughts significantly influence distress levels in individuals with OCD.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Psychiatry
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Background:

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted obsessional thoughts.
  • The subjective distress caused by obsessions varies significantly among individuals.
  • Cognitive theories suggest appraisal processes influence the emotional impact of obsessions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate why certain obsessional thoughts are more upsetting than others in people with OCD.
  • To examine the role of perceived meaningfulness and self-discrepancy in obsession-related distress.
  • To evaluate the link between cognitive appraisals and the intensity of distress in OCD.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 28 individuals diagnosed with OCD.
  • Participants completed questionnaires and interviews assessing their most and least upsetting obsessions.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Comparative analysis of appraisals related to varying levels of obsession distress.

    • Main Results:

    • More upsetting obsessions were perceived as more meaningful or significant.
    • Highly distressing obsessions showed greater contradiction with valued aspects of the self.
    • All obsessions, regardless of distress level, emerged within the context of personal life concerns.

    Conclusions:

    • Findings support cognitive theories of OCD, linking appraisal strength and nature to distress.
    • Obsessions that challenge an individual's sense of self are associated with greater distress.
    • The personal significance and self-implications of obsessions are key factors in OCD symptom severity.