Flaws and all: Exploring partner-focused obsessive-compulsive symptoms

• Published in: Journal of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders 2012-10, Vol.1 (4), p.234-243
• Main Authors: Doron, Guy, Derby, Danny S, Szepsenwol, Ohad, Talmor, Dahlia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cognitive theory; Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Psychiatry; Relationships
• ISSN: 2211-3649; 2211-3657
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2012.05.004

Abstract Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling disorder with a variety of clinical presentations. Recently, research has begun to explore relationship-centered obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms, which include obsessions, checking, and reassurance seeking behaviors centered on an individual's feelings towards his or her partner and the “rightness” of their relationship. The present investigation extends previous research by examining OC symptoms focused on one's partner's perceived flaws. We report on the development and validation of the Partner-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (PROCSI), a 24-item self-report scale assessing the severity of partner-focused OC symptoms in six domains: physical appearance, sociability, morality, emotional stability, intelligence and competence. The PROCSI was found to be internally consistent, and its factorial structure was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Moreover, the PROCSI showed the expected associations with measures of OCD symptoms and cognitions, negative affect and relationship functioning, and significantly predicted depression and relationship-related distress over and above other symptom and relationship measures (Study 1). In addition, longitudinal analyses suggested reciprocal links between relationship-centered OC symptoms and partner-focused OC symptoms. Links between body dysmorphic concerns and partner-focused OC symptoms were also found (Study 2). Implications for theory and treatment are discussed.