High place phenomenon, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and suicidality.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Cross-cultural studies

Background:

• The high place phenomenon (HPP) is a frequent experience for individuals, regardless of suicidal ideation.
• Previous research has not explored HPP in non-Western societies or its connection to obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the high place phenomenon (HPP) in an Iranian adult population.
• To examine the association between HPP and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, suicidal ideation/behavior, and anxiety sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Two samples of Iranian adults (online and mobility-impaired) completed questionnaires.
• Measures included experiences with HPP, depression, suicidal ideation/behavior, anxiety sensitivity, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Main Results:

• Familiarity with HPP ranged from 39% to 62% across samples.
• Obsessive-compulsive symptoms were significantly associated with HPP severity, even when controlling for other factors.
• HPP presence was linked to obsessive-compulsive symptoms in one of the two samples.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the cross-cultural universality of the high place phenomenon.
• The association suggests HPP may be understood within the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.