Associations Between Maladaptive and Normal-Range Personality Traits and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Features

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Personality traits offer a framework for understanding psychopathology variations.
• The precise associations between personality traits and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features require further clarification, especially concerning normal-range versus maladaptive traits and potential non-linear relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the linear and non-linear associations between personality traits and various features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• To compare the strength of associations between normal-range and maladaptive personality traits with OCD features.
• To determine if personality traits are more strongly associated with OCD beliefs or symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 350 Iranian adults (aged 18-70) assessed personality using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF).
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features were measured using the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) and the Obsessional Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ).
• Statistical analyses examined linear and non-linear associations between personality measures and OCD outcomes.

Main Results:

• Significant associations were found between personality traits and all assessed OCD features.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) beliefs demonstrated a stronger relationship with personality traits compared to OCD symptoms.
• Associations were generally stronger for maladaptive personality traits than for normal-range traits.
• While predominantly linear, some associations revealed inverse relationships at the extremes of normal-range and maladaptive traits (e.g., Conscientiousness and Disinhibition).

Conclusions:

• Personality traits are significantly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features, underscoring personality's role in obsessive-compulsive psychopathology.
• Maladaptive personality traits exhibit a more pronounced relationship with OCD features than normal-range traits.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering both linear and non-linear personality-OCD associations for a comprehensive understanding.