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Obsessive-compulsive symptoms and beliefs in adolescents: A cross-sectional examination of cognitive models

  • State University of New York Binghamton University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of South Florida
  • Children's and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) posit that particular beliefs transform normal intrusions into disturbing obsessions. A wealth of data shows that such beliefs and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms are related in adults. However, there is markedly less information regarding OCD-related beliefs in youth. The purpose of this study was to assess the relation between OCD-related beliefs and OC symptoms in unselected adolescents (ages 13-18 years; N 5 159). Findings from questionnaires completed on the Internet were consistent with previous findings in adults. Increased levels of OCD-related beliefs were related to increased levels of OC symptoms. Perfectionism and certainty beliefs had a specific relation with symmetry and ordering symptoms. Contrary to expectation, levels of OCD-related beliefs in this unselected sample were similar to those found in prior studies of youth diagnosed with OCD. Implications, limitations, and future directions for the study of OCD-related beliefs in youth are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)251-263
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Cognitive Psychotherapy
Volume28
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Assessment
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Perfectionism

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