A novel intervention to improve memory confidence in compulsive checkers: Development and initial evaluation

Memory confidence plays a central role in maintaining compulsive checking, as supported by theoretical and empirical evidence. Despite this, no comprehensive intervention targeting all literature-identified factors affecting memory confidence currently exist. Accordingly, this study primarily aimed to develop a novel, evidence-driven intervention to improve memory confidence in compulsive checkers. A secondary aim was to conduct an initial evaluation of its effectiveness.

To develop our intervention, we used the Six Steps in Quality Intervention Development Method. Using a preliminary, early-stage RCT involving 20 compulsive checkers (10 in the intervention group and 10 in a waitlist control group), we tested the potential effectiveness of our intervention on memory confidence, memory beliefs, memory performance and checking severity.

A seven-session intervention was developed, with the main purpose of each session outlined was as follows: psychoeducation about compulsive checking and memory confidence, targeting negative memory beliefs, training in how to de-familiarize the checking procedure, training in adaptive checking, targeting high memory standards, targeting inflated responsibility and relapse prevention and termination. Preliminary results from the RCT indicated that our intervention demonstrated significant improvements in memory confidence and memory performance, along with significant reductions in checking severity and negative memory beliefs.

These findings provide promising early support for the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the intervention. They also further support the critical role of memory confidence as a key mechanism underlying this condition.