Development of a Picture-Based Measure for “Not Just Right” Experiences Associated with Compulsive Sorting, Ordering, and Arranging

Abstract

Many individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder report that obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviors are often motivated by “not just right” experiences (NJREs). Individuals who experience NJREs often report symptoms related to symmetry, order, and arrangement (SOA). The current study sought to develop a brief picture-based measure of NJREs (PIC-NR10) within the context of SOA. Three independent studies were conducted to assess the psychometric properties of PIC-NR10 and its relationship with existing NJRE questionnaires, obsessive-compulsive-symptom relevant measures, and in vivo behavioral NJRE tasks. Across studies, the results provide promising initial evidence that PIC-NR10 is a psychometrically sound measure of NJREs. Clinical implications and future directions of research are discussed.