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Real-time fMRI Biofeedback Targeting the Orbitofrontal Cortex for Contamination Anxiety
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Analyses of mental contamination: Part II, individual differences
Adam S Radomsky1, Corinna M Elliott
1Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada. adam.radomsky@concordia.ca
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|September 15, 2009
Summary
Individual appraisals, not just physical contamination symptoms, predict psychological feelings of dirtiness (mental contamination). Understanding these cognitive factors is key for treating contamination fears.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Mental contamination, or psychological feelings of dirtiness, is a key feature in several psychological disorders.
- Research has focused on provoking mental contamination, but less on individual differences influencing responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if individual differences in symptoms, beliefs, and appraisals predict mental contamination experiences.
- To understand predictors of mental contamination following a standardized provocation.
Main Methods:
- 70 female undergraduates completed questionnaires assessing symptoms, beliefs, and appraisals.
- Participants underwent a provocation (imagining a non-consensual kiss) and reported mental contamination.
- Behavioral task measured spontaneous washing post-provocation.
Main Results:
- Symptoms of physical contamination predicted mental contamination.
- Appraisal variables uniquely predicted the experience of mental contamination.
- Spontaneous washing behavior was also assessed.
Conclusions:
- Appraisals are significant unique predictors of mental contamination, beyond physical contamination symptoms.
- Findings support cognitive-behavioral models of contamination fears.
- Implications for understanding and treating contamination-related conditions are discussed.
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