The Icelandic version of the dimensional obsessive compulsive scale (DOCS) and its relationship with obsessive beliefs

Abstract

The Dimensional Obsessive Compulsive Scale (DOCS) is a self-report instrument to assess severity of OC symptoms along four thematically distinct symptom dimensions. This may carry benefits; both in assessment and for studying the link between OC related beliefs and symptoms. The validity and factor structure of the Icelandic version of the DOCS was investigated in a sample of 547 university students and the congruence between OC related beliefs and symptoms was also compared across different symptom measures (DOCS and OCI-R). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed four-factor structure and a model with a higher-order general severity factor accounting for the inter-relations between the factors. Convergent validity of the scale was supported with moderate to strong correlations with the OCI-R and the Y-BOCS-Self Report version and its symptom checklist. Divergent validity was supported with low to moderate correlations with measures of general anxiety, depression and worry. Regression analyses partly replicated previous results regarding congruence between beliefs and DOCS symptom dimensions. Results did not depend on the symptom measure used. The DOCS has good psychometric properties and may be a useful assessment instrument in both research and clinical settings, although its advantages compared to other self-report measures are not clear.