Alone together: the role of existential concerns in symptoms of relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Emerging research has identified the relevance of existential concerns in various subtypes and dimensions of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, at present, no studies have examined these concerns in relation to relationship OCD (ROCD). Method The current study examined the association between ROCD symptoms and all five existential concerns (i.e., isolation, identity, meaninglessness, guilt, and death). Data was obtained from a sample of undergraduate university students in Sydney, Australia (N = 353), Mage = 20.95 years. Participants completed a number of scales including measures of ROCD symptoms, attitudes to relationships, and existential concerns. Results The results revealed significant positive correlations between all five existential concerns and ROCD symptoms. In particular, the correlations found for Isolation and Identity concerns were significantly larger than those found for Meaninglessness, Guilt, and Death. Notably, the relationships between ROCD symptoms and all five existential concerns remained significant after controlling for quality of current relationship, catastrophic beliefs about relationships, and neuroticism. Conclusions The current findings highlight the need to consider existential issues in conceptualising ROCD. Clinical implications are discussed.