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Obsessional intrusive thoughts in children: An interview based study
Gemma García-Soriano1, Ángel Carrasco2, Lisa Marie Emerson3
1Dpto Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamientos Psicológicos, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
Psychology and Psychotherapy
|November 9, 2022
Summary
Most children experience obsessional intrusive thoughts (OITs), with themes of harm and doubt being common. Cognitive strategies like suppression and distraction are frequently used to manage these thoughts.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Background:
- Obsessional intrusive thoughts (OITs) are a core feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- The cognitive model of OCD, primarily developed for adults, needs investigation in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, frequency, content, and emotional impact of OITs in children aged 8-10 years.
- To explore children's appraisals of OITs and their coping strategies.
- To test the applicability of the cognitive model of OCD in a child sample.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 49 children (mean age 9.1 years) completed self-report questionnaires on anxiety and OCD symptoms.
- Children were interviewed using the Children's Anxious Thoughts Interview to assess OIT experiences.
Main Results:
- 71.43% of children reported experiencing at least one OIT, with harm and doubt as common themes.
- Children reporting frequent OITs experienced higher anxiety and OCD interference, rating thoughts as important and distracting.
- Cognitive strategies, including suppression, distraction, and thought replacement, were most frequently used.
Conclusions:
- Nearly two-thirds of community children experience OITs, suggesting they are not uncommon.
- Findings offer preliminary support for the cognitive model of OCD in children.
- Subtle differences in OIT experiences compared to adults warrant further investigation.
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