Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (R-OCD): The role of relationship duration, fear of guilt, and personality traits

Abstract

Relationship Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is considered a clinical variant of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in which obsessions may be focused on the relationship itself (relationship-centered ROCD [RC-ROCD]), or on the partner's perceived flaws (partner-focused ROCD [PF-ROCD]). Despite the growing interest in ROCD, not much is known regarding contextual, cognitive, and personality determinants of the symptoms. Using multiple regression analysis, we investigated results of an online survey administered to 164 healthy participants, assessing fear of guilt, RC- and PF-ROCD symptoms, and narcissistic and paranoic personality traits. Results showed the significant effects of fear of guilt and relationship duration on both ROCD subtypes. Narcissism was found to predict PF-ROCD only, and effects of paranoia were found to predict RC-ROCD only, providing possible support for differential diagnoses. We discuss influence mechanisms. Taken together, these results offer a valuable source of knowledge in approaching the assessment of and intervention for ROCD as well as sexual dysfunction.