The role of emotional dysregulation and attachment style as indicators of obsessive compulsive symptom-severity

Existing research has demonstrated an association between obsessive compulsive (OCD) and emotional dysregulation. Additionally, evidence suggests a relationship between OCD and attachment style. The current study (1) investigated if a model made up of emotional dysregulation and related constructs of emotion regulation skills, attachment styles and interpersonal emotion regulation predicted obsessive compulsive symptom severity, and (2) investigated the mediating role of emotional dysregulation between attachment style and OCD in a community sample.

Two hundred and twenty-six participants reported obsessive compulsive symptoms were recruited online and anonymously completed 6 questionnaires. The model was tested through hierarchical linear regressions and mediation analysis. Ethical approval was granted by University College Dublin's Ethics Committee.

A hierarchical linear regression employed by the current study indicated that emotional dysregulation and attachment anxiety significantly predicted OCD symptoms (F (5, 1016) = 65.7, p < 0.001). The indirect effect of emotional dysregulation as a mediator of attachment style and OCD symptom-severity was significant (B = 0.4311; 95 % CI: 0.3339 to.5381).

The current study utilized a cross-sectional design and causation cannot be derived from the results. The use of self-report scales may allow for biased responses and a predominantly Irish sample limits the generalizability of the study.

The current study has both clinical and empirical implications as it demonstrates the role of emotional dysregulation and attachment insecurity in OCD severity, potentially advising the direction of future OCD interventions.