A New Scrupulosity Scale for the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS): Validation With Clinical and...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Scrupulous obsessions are a common manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Existing conceptualizations place scrupulosity within the 'unacceptable thoughts' dimension, alongside sexual, violent, and religious themes.
• Emerging research indicates scrupulous symptoms may be distinct, highlighting the need for specialized assessment tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a Scrupulous or Religious Thoughts subscale (DOCS-SR) for the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS).
• To evaluate the factorial structure, psychometric properties, and clinical correlates of the DOCS-SR in both nonclinical and clinical populations.

Main Methods:

• Study 1: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the DOCS-SR in a nonclinical sample (N=203).
• Study 2: EFA and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the DOCS and DOCS-SR in a clinical sample (N=314).
• Assessment of internal consistency, convergent validity, and divergent validity with OCD correlates.

Main Results:

• In nonclinical sample, DOCS-SR demonstrated a one-factor solution with acceptable internal consistency and strong convergent validity.
• In clinical sample, a five-factor solution emerged for the DOCS including the DOCS-SR.
• Both subscales showed strong internal consistency and convergent validity; moderate correlation between DOCS Unacceptable Thoughts and DOCS-SR suggested convergent and divergent validity.

Conclusions:

• The DOCS-SR is a psychometrically sound measure for assessing scrupulous obsessions.
• The findings support the utility of differentiating scrupulous thoughts within the broader 'unacceptable thoughts' dimension of OCD.
• This specialized assessment can aid in more effective treatment planning for individuals with OCD.