Sensitive domains of self-concept in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD): Further evidence for a multidimensional model of OCD

doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2006.05.008

Journal of Anxiety Disorders

Volume 21, Issue 3, 2007, Pages 433-444

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2006.05.008 Get rights and content

Abstract

Aspects of self-concept have been implicated in recent empirical and theoretical investigations of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This article extends previous theory and research by investigating the proposal that specific self-structures may be linked with OCD [e.g., Doron, G., & Kyrios, M. (2005). Obsessive–compulsive disorder: a review of possible specific internal representations within a broader cognitive theory. Clinical Psychology Review, 25, 415–432]. In particular, it was hypothesized that individuals who value the domains of morality, job and scholastic competence, and social acceptability, but who feel incompetent in these domains (i.e., “sensitive” domains of self), would hold a greater level of OC-related beliefs and display more OC-symptoms. The study was performed in 198 non-clinical participants, using a multidimensional measure of self-concept. As predicted, it was found that sensitivity in the four domains was related to higher levels of OC-related beliefs. Sensitivity in the domains of morality, job competence and social acceptability also related to higher levels of OC-symptoms. Further, these findings were generally maintained when controlling for global self-worth. Based on these results, it is argued that sensitivity of self-concept may be associated with OC cognitions and phenomena. Implications for theory and treatment are discussed.

Section snippets

OC phenomenon and the multidimensional self

Current research suggests that the self-concept is a multidimensional construct, where some domains are valued more than others, and where perceived competence in these valued domains is strongly related to feelings of self-worth (e.g., Harter, 1982; Messer & Harter, 1986; Neemann & Harter, 1986; also for a review, see Harter, 1998). Evidence also indicates that self-evaluation may be context sensitive (e.g., Harter & Whitesell, 2003), that some individuals show greater sensitivity of

Participants

This study included 198 participants all of whom were first year undergraduate psychology students who completed the research for course credit. Preliminary screening indicated that 10 participants did not complete all the measures. These individuals were excluded, leaving a total of 188 participants (mean age = 19.7 years; S.D. = 5.05; range = 17–57) with 29 males (mean age = 19.4; S.D. = 2.6) and 158 females (mean age = 19.8; S.D. = 5.4).¹ The majority of

Results

In order to test our hypotheses, individuals were classified as sensitive or not sensitive in each domain. “Sensitive” was operationalized as those who reported on average that the particular domain was important (i.e., greater than the midpoint on the importance items of the subscale), while they were not competent in this domain (less or equal to the midpoint of the competence items of the subscale).²

Discussion

In this study, we investigated whether particular structures of self-concept are related to OC-related beliefs and OC symptom severity. Consistent with hypotheses, individuals with sensitivity in the self-domains of morality, job competence, scholastic competence, and social acceptability held higher levels of OC-related beliefs. Further, sensitivity in morality, job competence and social acceptability related to higher OC symptom severity. Finally, sensitivity in the moral and job competence

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Sensitive domains of self-concept in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD): Further evidence for a multidimensional model of OCD

Abstract

Section snippets

OC phenomenon and the multidimensional self

Participants

Results

Discussion

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Clinical Psychology Review

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Clinical Psychology Review

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behavior Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry. Special Issue: Disgust Sensitivity in Anxiety Disorders

Cognitive personality styles associated with depressive and obsessive–compulsive phenomena in a non-clinical sample

Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy