Obsession and relationship satisfaction through the lens of jealousy and rumination

Abstract

The current cross-sectional study sought to determine whether the association between relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms and relationship satisfaction is mediated by 1) jealousy and 2) a ruminative thought style, or if it is a combination of the two. The findings revealed that the relationship between ROCD symptoms and relationship satisfaction is mediated by both jealousy and rumination. Further, the link between ROCD and jealousy is mediated by rumination while the mediating role of jealousy exists in the association between rumination and relationship satisfaction. These findings only apply to heterosexual relationships. The results and implications are discussed.