Incompleteness and harm avoidance in OCD symptom dimensions
1Institute of Behaviour Therapy, Kurbrunnenstrasse 21a, D-67098 Bad Dürkheim, Germany. dw-ecker@gmx.de
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|June 3, 2008
Summary
This study reveals that incompleteness (INC) and harm avoidance (HA) uniquely relate to specific Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptom dimensions. Checking symptoms are linked to both INC and HA, suggesting motivational heterogeneity in OCD.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often conceptualized through core motivational dimensions of incompleteness (INC) and harm avoidance (HA).
- Current research predominantly focuses on HA-related constructs, such as inflated responsibility and threat overestimation.
- There is a resurgence of interest in INC, characterized by 'not just right experiences' and a lack of closure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the associations between specific OCD symptom dimensions and the motivational dimensions of INC and HA.
- To differentiate the motivational underpinnings of various OCD symptom clusters.
Main Methods:
- A large clinical sample of 202 individuals diagnosed with OCD was recruited.
- Hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses were employed.
- Analyses controlled for comorbid anxiety, depression, and overall OCD symptom severity.
Main Results:
- Symmetry/ordering and checking symptoms were uniquely associated with INC.
- Obsessional thoughts and checking symptoms were uniquely associated with HA.
- Checking symptoms demonstrated motivational heterogeneity, linked to both INC and HA.
- Contamination/washing symptoms did not show a unique association with either INC or HA.
- OCD symptom severity was uniquely associated with INC but not HA.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that specific OCD symptom dimensions are differentially related to INC and HA.
- The results challenge a narrow conceptualization of OCD solely as an anxiety disorder, highlighting the role of motivational factors.
- Checking symptoms represent a complex motivational profile within OCD.
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