Predicting negative emotions in response to in vivo triggers of thought-action fusion

Abstract

Thought-action fusion (TAF) refers to the tendency to view thoughts as equivalent to behaviors. Cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder suggest that patients are distressed by intrusive thoughts when they assign them personal significance, such as when they fear a thought reveals a latent desire, not merely because of having it. The aim of this study was to examine the role of intentionality and other factors in predicting reactions to an in vivo moral TAF induction, and to reflect on methodological considerations related to such paradigms. Participants completed measures of symptoms, obsessional cognitions, and religiosity. One week later, they engaged in an induction that either included desire or only the presence of a thought. Participants gave ratings of distress and moral emotions, after which they had the opportunity to neutralize. There was no effect of the manipulation. Across the sample, inflated responsibility beliefs predicted both distress and moral emotions. Beliefs about the importance and control of thoughts predicted moral emotions and subsequent neutralizing. Likelihood TAF also predicted moral emotions. Results highlight the roles of specific obsessional cognitions in reactions to unpleasant thoughts and images. In addition, we discuss conceptual and methodological issues in measuring moral TAF and emotional reactions to intrusions.