Enhancing Self-Affirmation to Combat Obsessive-Compulsive Thoughts

Abstract

Drawing upon the Cycle of Adaptive Potential model from Self-Affirmation Theory, this autoethnographic study analyzed how a sense of accomplishment and social connection could foster a self-affirming identity through tasks—particularly through the practice of writing—and thereby be effective in managing obsessive-compulsive thoughts. The primary data consisted of notes compiled by the author over the last 2 years, documenting his experiences with obsessive-compulsive thoughts and the process of overcoming them. A thematic analysis was conducted on the data to identify recurring patterns and themes. The findings of the study suggested that if a task could elicit feelings of accomplishment and social contribution, individuals with obsessive-compulsive thoughts might sustain engagement with the task, thereby facilitating the subsequent development of self-affirmation. This process could lead to the establishment of a self-affirming identity, potentially overshadowing the obsessive-compulsive disorder identity.