Abstract:
Cognitive models of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) posit that obsessions and compulsions develop from maladaptive beliefs and catastrophic interpretations of intrusive thoughts. These cognitive models of OCD are able to explain a significant amount of the variance in OC symptoms. The research to date, however, suggests that there is potential to improve the prediction of OC symptoms by examining factors outside of those included in existing cognitive models. The Looming Cognitive Style (LCS), a global cognitive vulnerability for anxiety symptoms, is an important predictive factor. Our study is specifically interested in the role of anxiety disorder specific LCS. This study examined OCD-Specific Looming as a cognitive antecedent of OC Symptoms. The presented study examined the role of OCD-specific looming as a predictor of OC Symptoms by examining OC Symptoms in a non-clinical undergraduate student sample during a period of naturally occurring stress, final exams. Using structural equation modeling the role of OCD-Specific Looming, LCS, OC Beliefs & Appraisals, and Distress as predictors of OC Symptoms was examined. OCD-Specific Looming contributed significantly to the prediction of variance in OC Symptoms over and above the influence of OC Beliefs and Appraisals, Distress, and Looming Cognitive Style. Our results provide additional support for the inclusion of OCD-Specific Looming in cognitive models of OCD.
