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Related Experiment Video

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Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Published on: March 14, 2025

Appraisals of obsessional thoughts in normal samples.

Kathleen M Corcoran1, Sheila R Woody

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada. kathleen_corcoran@camh.net

Behaviour Research and Therapy
|December 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Cognitive theories suggest thought appraisals influence obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This study found frequent intrusive thoughts were seen as more significant, linking appraisals to subclinical OCD symptoms and beliefs.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Psychopathology

Background:

  • Cognitive theories of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) emphasize the role of thought appraisals in maintaining obsessions.
  • Rachman's cognitive theory posits that appraisals of thought significance differentiate clinical obsessions from normal intrusive thoughts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the characteristics of normal appraisals of obsession-like intrusive thoughts.
  • To examine the relationship between thought appraisals, frequency, and personal significance in a nonclinical sample.

Main Methods:

  • Two studies utilized vignettes depicting intrusive thoughts (aggressive, sexual, blasphemous) with nonclinical participants.
  • Participants rated the personal significance of these intrusive thoughts under different imagined scenarios (personal experience vs. friend confiding).
  • Subclinical obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms and beliefs were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Intrusive thoughts described as occurring more frequently were appraised as more personally significant.
  • Socially unacceptable thoughts were appraised similarly regardless of whether participants imagined experiencing them or a friend confiding.
  • Thought appraisals were significantly related to subclinical OC symptoms and OC beliefs.

Conclusions:

  • The frequency of intrusive thoughts may influence their perceived personal significance.
  • Appraisals of socially unacceptable thoughts appear consistent across different social contexts in nonclinical individuals.
  • These findings support the role of cognitive appraisals in the manifestation of subclinical obsessive-compulsive traits.