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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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Self-compassion and emotion regulation difficulties in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Angelika Eichholz1, Caroline Schwartz1, Adrian Meule1,2
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy
|March 30, 2020
Summary
Low self-compassion and poor emotion regulation skills are linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptom severity. Emotion regulation difficulties, not self-compassion, predicted symptom severity in OCD patients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Self-compassion and emotion regulation are crucial for mental health.
- Deficits in these areas are linked to psychopathology, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Understanding these links is vital for effective OCD treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between self-compassion, emotion regulation difficulties, obsessive beliefs, and OCD symptom severity.
- To explore the predictive role of self-compassion and emotion regulation in OCD.
- To examine the mediating role of emotion regulation deficits.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 90 patients diagnosed with OCD.
- Utilized self-report questionnaires to assess self-compassion, emotion regulation difficulties, obsessive beliefs, and OCD symptom severity.
- Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to determine predictive relationships.
Main Results:
- OCD symptom severity and obsessive beliefs were negatively correlated with self-compassion.
- Symptom severity and obsessive beliefs were positively associated with emotion regulation difficulties.
- Emotion regulation difficulties predicted OCD symptom severity, even after controlling for obsessive beliefs and depression.
- Emotion regulation deficits mediated the link between self-compassion and OCD symptom severity.
Conclusions:
- Emotion regulation difficulties play a significant role in OCD symptom severity.
- Self-compassion may influence OCD symptoms indirectly through its effect on emotion regulation.
- Targeting self-compassion and addressing emotion regulation deficits may offer promising therapeutic avenues for OCD treatment.
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