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Self-report of obsessions and worry
M H Freeston1, R Ladouceur, J Rhéaume
1Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Self-reported worry and obsessional-compulsive symptoms are related but distinct. The Penn State Worry Questionnaire and Padua Inventory showed moderate correlations, suggesting they measure different constructs in outpatients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalized worry share overlapping symptoms.
- Understanding the relationship between worry and obsessions is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Existing measures may not fully differentiate between worry and obsessional symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationships between self-reported worry and obsessional-compulsive symptoms.
- To assess the discriminant validity of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire and the Padua Inventory.
- To explore the specific correlations between worry, checking behaviors, and loss of mental control.
Main Methods:
- 145 hospital outpatients participated in the study.
- Participants completed the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) for worry assessment.
- The Padua Inventory (PI) was used to measure obsessional-compulsive symptoms.
Main Results:
- Moderately strong correlations were found between the PSWQ and the PI, indicating related constructs.
- The scales demonstrated discriminant validity, measuring distinct psychological phenomena.
- Obsessional loss of mental control showed moderate correlations with both worry and checking behaviors.
- Worry and checking behaviors exhibited only a weak correlation.
Conclusions:
- Worry and obsessional symptoms are related yet distinct constructs.
- The Padua Inventory may benefit from revisions to enhance its discriminant validity.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise nature of the relationship between worry and obsessions.