Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Research Articles

Doubting love: identification and stigma towards relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder

ABSTRACT Objective Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a clinically heterogeneous condition with a variety of symptom dimensions. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of university students and the lay public to identify a lesser-known theme of obsessive-compulsive symptoms known as relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) and to examine factors that impact identification and stigma of this symptom subtype. Method A total of 258 participants (M = 24.1 years, SD = 7.61) completed an online survey. A series of clinical vignettes depicted hypothetical characters with ROCD, varied by symptom presentation (partner-focused, relationship-centred) and gender (female, male), as well as a contamination OCD vignette for comparison purposes. Results As expected, participants showed significantly higher misidentification rates for ROCD (88.3%) compared to the contamination vignettes (28.7%). ROCD was most often misidentified as relationship issues and worry. Although partner-focused ROCD was not misidentified more frequently than relationship-centred ROCD, partner-focused vignettes were significantly more stigmatised than relationship-centred vignettes as predicted (with the male, partner-focused vignette most stigmatised). Conclusions High levels of misidentification of ROCD may contribute to the existing lag between OCD symptom onset and proper treatment, emphasising the need for greater education and media focus on the heterogeneity of OCD.

Deontological Guilt Mediates the Effects of Personality on the Symptoms of Romantic Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD).

Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD), a clinical variant of OCD, is associated with personality traits and guilt sensitivity. Previous studies have not investigated whether the guilt associated with ROCD stems from deontological or altruistic morality. The main aim of the present study was to explore the differentiated impact of deontological and altruistic guilt on ROCD symptoms in romantic relationships. The study also aimed to test the mediating role of guilt in the relationships between personality traits and ROCD symptoms. Through linear regressions and path analysis, we examined the results of an online survey administered to 659 emerging adults, assessing the Big-5 personality traits, ROCD symptoms, and the moral orientation of guilt feelings (deontological/altruistic). Results revealed the negative influence of agreeableness and emotionality on ROCD symptoms. Moral dirtiness, as a facet of deontological moral orientation, was found to mediate the effects of personality predictors on relationship-centred but not on partner-focused ROCD symptoms, providing support for differential diagnosis. These findings provide a clearer understanding of the cognitive determinants that sustain ROCD symptoms and offer evidence on associated personality traits. These results may represent a valuable source of knowledge for researchers as well as clinical therapists dealing with ROCD symptoms, couple disorders, and sexual dysfunction.

Alone together: the role of existential concerns in symptoms of relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder

ABSTRACT Objective Emerging research has identified the relevance of existential concerns in various subtypes and dimensions of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, at present, no studies have examined these concerns in relation to relationship OCD (ROCD). Method The current study examined the association between ROCD symptoms and all five existential concerns (i.e., isolation, identity, meaninglessness, guilt, and death). Data was obtained from a sample of undergraduate university students in Sydney, Australia (N = 353), Mage = 20.95 years. Participants completed a number of scales including measures of ROCD symptoms, attitudes to relationships, and existential concerns. Results The results revealed significant positive correlations between all five existential concerns and ROCD symptoms. In particular, the correlations found for Isolation and Identity concerns were significantly larger than those found for Meaninglessness, Guilt, and Death. Notably, the relationships between ROCD symptoms and all five existential concerns remained significant after controlling for quality of current relationship, catastrophic beliefs about relationships, and neuroticism. Conclusions The current findings highlight the need to consider existential issues in conceptualising ROCD. Clinical implications are discussed.

"Can I Have More Than This?" The Role of Romantic Relationship Quality, Maximization Style, and Social Media Addiction in Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms.

Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that manifests in the relationship domain, such as romantic relationships. Within romantic relationship, ROCD symptoms could be focused on flaws perceived on the relationship itself (ROCD relationship-centered) or on the partners' quality (ROCD partner-focused). These symptoms are associated with negative relationship outcomes, such as low relationship satisfaction. However, no studies have yet addressed the role of relationship quality in the context of ROCD. Furthermore, previous studies have shown the detrimental role of social media use and maximization style in obsessive-compulsive symptoms and the romantic relational domain; however, the associations with ROCD symptoms have not yet been explored. Thus, this study aimed to close this gap examining the associations between ROCD symptoms (relationship-centered and partner-focused) and relationship quality, social media addiction, and maximization style. A total of 211 participants currently involved in a romantic relationship (71.1 percent female, mean age = 30.4 ± 11.54 years) participated in the study. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed that relationship quality, social media addiction, and maximization style emerged as being significantly associated with relationship-centered and partner-focused ROCD symptoms. The results highlighted potential risk factors for ROCD symptoms in romantic relationships, namely relationship quality, social media addiction, and maximization style. These psychological dimensions could be identified as possible targets in the assessment and treatment of ROCD symptoms.

Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions and negatively affects the functionality of individuals. OCD symptoms with romantic relationship content have been investigated in the literature for the last 10 years. OCD symptoms with romantic relationship content are divided into two types: relationship-centered and partner-focused. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the relationship between OCD symptoms with romantic relationship content and individual and relational variables. Studies in the literature were reviewed in detail in order to evaluate the results regarding the relationship between OCD symptoms in romantic relationships and individual and relational factors. In the national and international literature, no systematic review study on this subject was found. Accordingly, studies published between 2012 and 2022 in internationally accepted electronic databases using the terms "relationship obsessive compulsive disorder", "relationship centered obsessive compulsive symptoms" and "partner focused obsessive compulsive symptoms" were reviewed. As a result of the search, according to the inclusion criteria, 12 empirical studies on the relationship between OCD in romantic relationships and individual and relational variables with full-text access and written in English were analyzed. The methodological characteristics and results of the 12 included studies are presented in this systematic review study. The results of the studies suggest that symptoms related to romantic relationships negatively affect the functioning of individuals similar to OCD. When the variables associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms in romantic relationships are analyzed in individual and relational context, they are related to many factors such as psychopathologies, attachment styles, self and relationship satisfaction. In this context, there is a need for empirical studies carried out with clinical samples, exploring the effectiveness of psychotherapy and cross-cultural studies on obsessive-compulsive symptoms related to romantic relationships. Keywords:

Promoting couples’ resilience to relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms using a CBT-based mobile application: A randomized controlled trial

Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is a disabling form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) centering on interpersonal relationships. Previous findings suggest ROCD symptoms are particularly detrimental to romantic relationships. In this randomized controlled trial (RCT), we assessed influence a CBT-based mobile application used by both partners on resilience to ROCD symptoms, cognitions, and relationship dissatisfaction. The app consists of brief, daily exercises targeting OCD symptoms, related cognitions and attachment insecurities. Heterosexual couples (Ncouples = 103; Mage = 26.15) were randomly assigned to individually use a mobile application for 15 days (n = 49 couples) or to a control group (n = 54 couples). All participants completed questionnaires at baseline (T1), 15 days from baseline (T2), and 45 days from baseline (T3). All couples also underwent an ROCD resilience task at T2. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed that, in contrast to the control group, couples who used the app exhibited enhanced resilience in the resilience task, as well as measures of ROCD symptoms, cognitions, and relationship dissatisfaction. These observed effects persisted even at the 1-month follow-up. Concurrent use of brief mobile delivered cognitive training by both romantic partners may foster resilience in romantic couples.

Pathological narcissism and relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms: Exploring the role of vulnerable narcissism.

Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms, which include obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on the suitability of the relationship and/or partner, have been receiving increasing clinical, theoretical, and empirical attention. This clinical variant of OCD is associated with significant functional, personal, and dyadic consequences. ROCD symptoms have also been linked to several cognitive vulnerability factors, such as maladaptive relationship catastrophization. However, little is known about the connection between ROCD symptoms and specific personality traits. In this study, we examine whether vulnerable narcissistic personality traits may constitute a general vulnerability factor for ROCD symptoms. Specifically, we assess whether partner value self-contingencies moderate the association between vulnerable narcissistic traits and obsessive preoccupation with a romantic partner's perceived flaws. A total of 310 individuals self-reporting ROCD symptoms completed questionnaires assessing narcissistic personality traits, ROCD symptoms and cognitions, and partner value self-contingencies. Vulnerable narcissistic traits were uniquely associated with ROCD symptoms over and above ROCD-related cognitions. Self-worth contingent on the partner's perceived value partially mediated the effect of vulnerable narcissistic traits on ROCD symptoms. Results supported the role of vulnerable narcissistic traits and domain-relevant self-vulnerabilities on obsessive preoccupation with romantic partners' perceived flaws. Further research is needed to explore the susceptibility of vulnerable individuals to the development and maintenance of ROCD symptoms.

Predicting Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) symptoms and severity based on thought-action fusion, attachment styles, and personality traits

Predicting Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) symptoms and severity based on thought-action fusion, attachment styles, and personality traits

Interpersonal transmission of ROCD symptoms and susceptibility to infidelity in romantic relationships

Relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a disabling presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) centering on close interpersonal relationships. Previous studies focused on the personal consequences of ROCD symptoms. Yet, studies investigating the consequences of ROCD symptoms on one's partner are scarce. In this study, we assessed whether exposure to romantic partners' elevated ROCD symptoms would heighten participants' ROCD symptoms and would increase participants' evaluation of their own and their partners' susceptibility to infidelity. Heterosexual couples (Ncouples = 50; Mage = 25.8) completed self-report questionnaires. One randomly selected partner of each romantic dyad was then randomly allocated to being exposed to information suggesting their partner has low (low-exposure) or high (high-exposure) levels of ROCD symptoms. Results indicated that participants in the high-exposure group showed higher ROCD symptoms than participants in the low-exposure group. Exposure to allegedly elevated levels of partners' ROCD symptoms also led participants to evaluate their own and their partners' susceptibility to infidelity as higher than participants in the low-exposure group, particularly among participants with pre-existing ROCD symptoms. These results illustrate a ‘contagious’ effect of unmediated exposure to partners' ROCD symptoms and its potentially unfavorable consequences. Clinical implications regarding partner involvement in the treatment of ROCD are discussed.

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

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.

The Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Early Maladaptive Schemas on Relationship Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

The Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Early Maladaptive Schemas on Relationship Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

Mediating Role of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation and Experiential Avoidance in the Relationship between Attachment Styles and Severity of Relationship Obsessive -compulsive Disorder Symptoms

Objectives Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) is one of the forms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, focusing on intimate relationships. Identifying the mechanisms of ROCD can significantly expand our knowledge of the factors related to its development and exacerbation. This study aims to determine the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance in the relationship between attachment styles and the severity of ROCD symptoms. Methods Five hundred thirty-one participants (455 females and 76 males) were selected using convenient sampling from the general population of Iran. They completed the Experiences in close relationships-revised (ECR-R), the difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS), the acceptance and action questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), and the Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (ROCI) online. SPSS software, version 22 and AMOS version 24 were used to analyze data. Results Attachment styles had a significant correlation with difficulties in emotion regulation, experiential avoidance, and ROCD symptoms (P<0.01). Moreover, the two variables of difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance had a mediating role in the relationship between attachment styles and ROCD symptoms. Conclusion Attachment styles can predict the ROCD symptoms directly and indirectly by the difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance. Difficulties in emotion regulation and experiential avoidance should be considered in treatment of ROCD symptoms, especially in those with insecure attachment styles.

Obsession improvement in female patients with relationship obsessive compulsive disorder: A single subject study

Obsession improvement in female patients with relationship obsessive compulsive disorder: A single subject study

Sexual dysfunction in relationship obsessive compulsive disorder

Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a disabling presentation of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that has recently received increased research attention. ROCD refers to obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on one’s relationship and relationship partner’s qualities and attributes). In this paper, we present ROCD through a case study, describe its phenomenology and evaluate the impact of ROCD symptoms on sexual functioning. We then describe processes that may underlie dysfunctional sexual behavior in ROCD drawing on cognitive-behavioral models of ROCD and contemporary theories of sexual response. Conceptual links between ROCD and related constructs to various propensities of sexual behavior are discussed and treatment suggestions are outlined.

Initial Evidence for Symptoms of Postpartum Parent-Infant Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (PI-ROCD) and Associated Risk for Perturbed Maternal Behavior and Infant Social Disengagement From Mother.

Infant socioemotional development and underlying brain maturation occur primarily within the context of early caregiver-infant relationships. Perinatal research demonstrates detrimental impact of postpartum pathology, including postnatal onset of maternal OCD—on the mother-infant relationship. The present study is the first to examine postnatal onset of a particular dimension of OCD symptoms focusing on close interpersonal relationships (relationship-OCD, i.e., ROCD) within a general population sample. Specifically, we assessed whether symptoms of Parent-Child ROCD (PC-ROCD), may onset postnatally, thus yielding symptoms of Parent-Infant ROCD (PI-ROCD). We adapted the previously validated Parent-Child ROCD measure for use during infancy to assess symptoms of PI-ROCD. The adapted measure, Parent-Infant Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (PI-PROCSI), was administered to 143 mothers from the general population at 4-months postpartum. We investigated concurrent associations between postnatal onset of PI-ROCD, maternal depression and bonding, as well as longitudinal predictive associations with observed maternal and infant behaviors in dyadic interactions at 10 months. Due to dropout across the 1st year postpartum, the subsample with longitudinal data was substantially reduced compared to the full sample. PI-PROCSI scores explained unique variance in concurrent maternal depression over and above concurrent anxiety. PI-PROCSI scores also associated with concurrent impairments of maternal bonding. Moreover, unique associations emerged between maternal PI-ROCD scores and perturbations in both maternal and infant observable behaviors at 10-months. Specifically, observable perturbations in maternal behaviors mediated associations between symptoms of PI-ROCD at 4-months and observable infant avoidance of social engagement behaviors at 10-months. Findings suggest that parent-child ROCD symptoms may onset during the postnatal period, and that such symptoms may play a significant role in shaping quality of reciprocal caregiver-infant interactions. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Obsession and relationship satisfaction through the lens of jealousy and rumination

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.

“Why do I obsess about my child's flaws?”: Assessing the role of parental self‐vulnerabilities in parent–child relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms

ObjectiveRelationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a manifestation of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that refers to obsessions, doubts, and compulsive behaviours focusing on one's relationship and relationship partner. ROCD symptoms occur in various types of relationships including parent–child dyads, involving obsessional preoccupations with the perceived flaws of one's child (parent–child ROCD symptoms). Such preoccupations have been shown to be associated with decreased mood and significant parental distress. We examined the double self‐vulnerability hypothesis—that the co‐occurrence of parental contingency of self in specific domains (i.e., intelligence and appearance) and child‐value contingent self‐worth would be associated with increased parent–child ROCD symptoms.MethodA total of 175 parents participated in the study and completed self‐report questionnaires to assess ROCD and depressive symptoms and parental self‐contingencies. We used linear regression with simple slope analyses to estimate interaction effects.ResultsParents whose self‐worth were strongly dependent on their child's perceived value showed higher parent–child ROCD symptoms, particularly when co‐occurring with parental intelligence and appearance self‐contingencies. These findings were maintained when controlling for depression symptoms, parental age, and gender.ConclusionsResults supported the double self‐vulnerability hypothesis suggesting that parents with child‐value and domain‐relevant self‐vulnerabilities might be susceptible to child‐related obsessions. More research is needed to further explore susceptibility of vulnerable parents to the development and maintenance of parent–child ROCD symptoms.

Reaching reliable change using short, daily, cognitive training exercises delivered on a mobile application: The case of Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) symptoms and cognitions in a subclinical cohort

BackgroundRelationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is a presentation of OCD centering on interpersonal relationships. The aim of this Randomized Control Trial (RCT) was to assess the efficacy of short, game like, daily cognitive interventions delivered via mobile application in reducing subclinical ROCD symptoms and associated phenomena. MethodsFifty university students identified as having subclinical levels of ROCD symptoms (using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Clinical Version) were randomized into: immediate-use group (iApp group; n = 25) and delayed-use group (dApp group; n = 25). The iApp group started using the evaluated cognitive-behavioral training application at baseline for 15 days (T0 to T1). The dApp group commenced using the application at T1 for 15 days (T1 to T2). All participants completed questionnaires at baseline (T0), 15 days from baseline (T1), and 30 days from baseline (T2). ResultsRepeated measure MANOVAs showed significant Group (iApp vs. dApp) × Time (T0 vs. T1) interactions. These interactions indicated greater decrease in ROCD symptoms, OCD beliefs and social anxiety symptoms, as well as a greater increase in self-esteem in the iApp group compared to dApp group at T1. Moreover, the Reliable Change Index (RCI) indicated reliable change on ROCD symptoms for a significant portion of participants (42–52%). LimitationsSample size and the use of self-report measures limits the generalizability of the results. ConclusionsShort, daily cognitive training interventions delivered via mobile applications may be useful in reducing subclinical ROCD symptoms and associated features. Further testing is needed for clinical populations.

“I just can't trust my partner”: Evaluating associations between untrustworthiness obsessions, relationship obsessions and couples violence

Relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a dimension of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) focusing on close and intimate relationships. ROCD may focus on the relationship itself (i.e., relationship-centered) or on the perceived flaws of the relationship partner (i.e., partner-focused). Partner-focused obsessions have been shown to center on domains such as intelligence, appearance, sociality, emotional regulation, competence and morality. However, clinical experience suggests partner-focused obsessions may center on an additional domain – the romantic partner's unreliability/trustworthiness. The present investigation reports on the development and evaluation of the Obsessive Distrust Inventory (ODIS), an 8-item scale that assesses the severity of ROCD symptoms centering on the perceived un/reliability of one's romantic partner. Factor analysis supports a one internally consistent factor. The ODIS also showed the expected associations with OCD, ROCD and obsessive jealousy symptoms, as well as other mental health and relationship measures. Moreover, ODIS scores significantly predicted depression, anxiety and relationship violence, over-and-above common mental health and relationship measures. Obsessive distrust may be an important theme of partner-focused ROCD symptoms that requires identification and specialized treatment.

Introduction to the Special Issue: Challenges in Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a recommended treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). CBT offers specific interventions with demonstrated efficacy, including both cognitive therapy and exposure and ritual prevention (ERP). Yet, implementing these techniques with individual patients can present clinical challenges. In this special issue, expert clinicians and researchers present cases in which they addressed some common challenges in implementing CBT for OCD, including comorbid depression, poor insight, and family accommodation of symptoms in pediatric OCD. Other papers present how CBT can be tailored to specific OCD manifestations, including post-partum OCD, taboo thoughts, and relationship OCD. Other authors detail how they have augmented standard ERP with additional treatment techniques to maximize outcomes. These articles present a diverse set of case histories and specific treatment techniques that illustrate ways to maximize the effectiveness of CBT for OCD, serving as a useful guide for clinicians in practice and highlighting areas for future research.