THE ROLE OF GUILT SENSITIVITY IN OCD SYMPTOM DIMENSIONS

Abstract

Introduction Although some studies have found that guilt may precede, motivate, or be a consequence of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), the relationship between guilt and OCD has been under-investigated. Since it has been suggested that OCD patients perceive guilt in a more threatening manner, it might also be relevant to test to what extent they negatively evaluate the experience of guilt (i.e., guilt sensitivity; GS). Methods Study 1 investigated the psychometric properties of a new 10‐item Italian measure developed to assess GS—named Guilt Sensitivity Questionnaire—in a nonclinical sample (N= 473). Study 2 investigated the role of GS in OCD symptoms, in particular with regard to responsibility for harm obsessions and checking compulsions, using a heterogeneous OCD sample (N= 61) and a control group of patients with anxiety disorders (N= 47). Results Results from exploratory factor analyses supported the unidimensionality of the scale. It also showed excellent internal consistency and good discriminant validity. GS was the unique significant predictor of checking related OCD symptoms independent of negative mood states and obsessive beliefs. Discussion Guilt Sensitivity Questionnaire scores of patients with responsibility for harm concerns were significantly higher than those of patients with other kinds of obsessive concerns and with anxiety disorders. Conclusions Findings supported the hypothesis that GS plays a relevant role inOCD symptoms when checking rituals are primarily involved. Implications for current cognitive behavioral models are discussed.