Memory bias, confidence and responsibility in compulsive checking

Abstract

Recent research suggests that there is a positive memory bias for threatening information in compulsive cleaners. However, the relationship between OCD and memory is likely to be more complex when the compulsive behaviour is checking. Hence, we decided to explore this relationship in a clinical sample of people who check compulsively. Participants completed a diagnostic interview and were then asked to complete a standard ‘baseline’ check which normally causes distress/discomfort. Two additional checks were then completed—one under conditions of high responsibility and one under low responsibility. The order of responsibility manipulation was randomized across participants. After each check, participants completed a Memory and Confidence Interview which assessed memory for threat-relevant and threat-irrelevant aspects of the check, and also confidence in memory for the check. One week later, participants came into the laboratory to complete additional Memory and Confidence Interviews after watching a videotape of the checks completed earlier in their own homes. These videotaped checks were taken as conditions of ‘no responsibility’. Results show a positive memory bias for threat-relevant information. As responsibility was inflated, this positive memory bias was amplified. Under conditions of no responsibility, no memory bias was detectable. Also, responsibility appears to have had a greater impact on confidence in memory than on memory itself in OCD. The results are discussed in terms of the mnestic deficit theory of OCD and in terms of cognitive-behavioural approaches to understanding the disorder.