Reaching reliable clinical 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

ROCD is characterized by symptoms pertaining to interpersonal relationships

ROCD is associated with dyadic distress, depression, and anxiety

Daily training with a mobile app may reduce ROCD symptoms in subclinical samples

Mobile app may be effective in university students with ROCD concerns

(Cerea, Ghisi, Bottesi, Carraro, Broggio, & Doron, 2020)

Background: Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is a disabling presentation of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) centering on interpersonal relationships. The aim of the current randomized control trial (RCT) was to assess the efficacy of short, game like, daily cognitive interventions delivered using a mobile application in reducing subclinical ROCD symptoms and associated phenomena.

Methods: Fifty university students identified as having subclinical levels of ROCD symptoms (using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Clinical Version) were randomized in two groups: immediate-use group (iApp group; n = 25); delayed-use group (dApp group; n = 25). Participants in the iApp group started using a cognitive-behavioral training application at baseline for 15 days (T0 to T1). Participants in the dApp group commenced using the application at T1 for a period of 15 days (T1 to T2). All participants completed questionnaires at baseline (T0), 15 days from baseline (T1), and 31 days from baseline (T2).

Results: Repeated measure ANOVAs showed significant Group (iApp vs. dApp) × Time (T0 vs. T1) interactions indicating greater decrease on ROCD symptoms, OCD beliefs and social anxiety symptoms, as well as greater self-esteem increase in the iApp group compared to dApp group at T1. Moreover, analyses using the reliable change index (RCI) indicated reliable change for a significant portion of participant (42 to 50 percent) on ROCD symptoms.

Limitations: The size of the sample and use of self-report measures limit the generalizability of the results.

Conclusions: Short, daily cognitive training interventions delivered using mobile applications may be useful in reducing subclinical OCD symptoms and associated features.

Cite: Cerea S., Ghisi, M., Bottesi, G., Carraro., T., Broggio, D., & Doron (in press). 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. Journal of Affective Disorders.

“Why do I obsess about my child’s flaws?”: Assessing the role of parental self-vulnerabilities in parent-child ROCD symptoms

Parent-child ROCD symptoms are associated with parental self-vulnerabilities.

Double parental self-vulnerability is associated with increased ROCD symptoms.

Vulnerable parents may be sensitive to particular child-related intrusions.



Objective: Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a manifestation of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), that refers to obsessions, doubts, and compulsive behaviors 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. Method: A 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. Results: Parents whose self-worth was 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. Conclusions: Results 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.

cite: Lavy, A., Tibi, L., & Doron, G. (in press). “Why do I obsess about my child’s flaws?”: Assessing the role of parental self-vulnerabilities in parent-child ROCD symptoms. Clinical Psychologist.

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

Obsessive Distrust may be an additional domain of partner-focused Relationship Obsessive–

Compulsive Disorder (ROCD)

Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) The obsessive distrust inventory (ODIS) was developed to assess ROCD symptoms focused on

the perceived un/reliability of one’s romantic partner

the perceived un/reliability of one’s romantic partner ODIS scores shows small associations with OCD and large correlations with ROCD symptoms

ODIS scores significantly predicts depression, anxiety and relationship violence, over-and-above common mental health and relationship measures

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 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 obsession 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 treatment of ROCD related self-vulnerabilities and maladaptive beliefs.

cite: Brandes, O., Stern, A., Doron, G. (2020). “I just can’t trust my partner”: Evaluating associations between untrustworthiness obsessions, relationship obsessions and couples violence. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 24, 1-8.

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling condition with a wide variety of clinical presentations including contamination fears, fear of harm and relationship-related obsessions. Cognitive behavioral models of OCD propose obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms result from catastrophic misinterpretations of commonly occurring intrusive experiences and associated dysfunctional strategies used to manage them. OCD-related maladaptive beliefs including inflated responsibility, importance and control of thoughts, perfectionism and intolerance for uncertainty increase the likelihood of such misinterpretations.

Objective: Consistent with accumulating evidence suggesting mobile health (mHealth) apps based on cognitive-behavioral principles may lead to significant reductions in psychopathological symptom, we assessed the effectiveness of a novel cognitive training app (GGRO) designed to challenge OCD-related beliefs.

Methods: Ninety-seven students were randomized to immediate use (iApp) or delayed use (dApp) groups of GGRO. All participants were requested to complete web-based assessment, with questionnaires relating to maladaptive beliefs, mood and OC symptoms at baseline (T1), 15 days following baseline (T2) and 30 days following baseline (T3). Participants in iApp group started using the app at baseline and continued using the app for 15 consecutive days. They were then requested to stop using the app until T3. Participants in the dApp group were requested to wait for 15 days and only then start using the app (cross-over) for 15 consecutive days.

Results: All participants used the app for a mean 14.07 (SD=1.41) days with a 2.94 levels per day. Replicating previous findings, app use was associated with medium-large effect size reductions in both groups iApp (n=51) and dApp (n=46). In the iApp group, all effects remained significant during 15 days follow-up. Analyses focusing on the first two assessment occasions revealed significant Treatment × Repeated Measures interactions on maladaptive beliefs, several OC symptom measures and self-esteem.

Conclusions: This study provides further evidence for the efficacy of GGRO as a mobile delivered training exercises useful for the reduction of OCD-related beliefs and symptoms. Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov ID NCT03571464.

Cite: Roncero M, Belloch A, Doron G (2019). Can brief, daily training using a mobile applications help change maladaptive beliefs? A cross-over randomized-control study evaluating the efficacy of GGRO in reducing maladaptive beliefs and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. JMIR mHealth and uHealth7, e11443, DOI: 10.2196/11443

Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is understudied in clinical samples

The study aimed to test the role of specific and general beliefs involved in ROCD

Perfectionism and catastrophic relationship beliefs were strongly related to ROCD

Relationship-centered obsessions were predicted by concern over mistakes

Catastrophic fear of being in the wrong relationship was the main predictor

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms focusing on interpersonal relationships may include obsessive doubts and preoccupation centered on the relationship (i.e., relationship-centered) or the relationship partner (i.e. partner-focused). Although general obsessive beliefs have been associated with relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD), perfectionism and catastrophic relationship beliefs may particularly relevant to the maintenance and development of such symptoms. In the present study, we assessed the unique contributions of specific perfectionism dimensions and catastrophic relationship beliefs to relationship-centered and partner-focused ROCD symptoms. Participants included 124 individuals recruited online reporting that they had received a diagnosis of ROCD by a qualified clinician completed a battery of questionnaire tapping maladaptive beliefs previously associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), multidimensional perfectionism and catastrophic relationship beliefs. Perfectionistic concern over mistakes and doubts about actions, catastrophic beliefs regarding being in the wrong relationship and of being alone were found to be unique predictors of relationship-centered ROCD symptoms over and above mood symptoms. Only catastrophic fears of being in the wrong relationships predicted partner-focused ROCD symptoms. Perfectionistic tendencies as well as specific relationship-related beliefs may be more strongly implicated than OCD-related maladaptive beliefs in the development and maintenance of relationship-centered ROCD symptom. More research is needed to identify more specific beliefs associated with partner-focused ROCD symptoms.

Cite: Melli, G., Bulli, F., Doron, G., & Carraresi, C. (2018). Maladaptive beliefs in relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD): Replication and extension in a clinical sample. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 18, 47-53.

A novel, mobile delivered, cognitive training exercise is evaluated.

This training exercise is designed to challenge OCD-related beliefs.

Training included 3-min daily training for a period of 15 days.

Training lead to large-effect size reductions in levels of OCD-related beliefs.

Pre-post changes in OCD-beliefs were associated with reductions in OCD symptoms

Background and objectives: According to cognitive models, obsessive compulsive symptoms result from catastrophic misinterpretations of commonly occurring intrusive experiences and the use of counterproductive strategies to manage them. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) related beliefs such as inflated responsibility, importance of thoughts and perfectionism increases the likelihood of such misinterpretations. Consistent with a growing body of literature supporting the usefulness of mobile delivered technologies in fostering cognitive behavior change, the present study assessed the effectiveness of a novel cognitive training exercise designed to challenge OCD-related beliefs. This mobile app training exercise consists of users having to pull statements challenging OCD beliefs towards themselves (downwards) and to throw away (push upwards) contra-productive self-statements. Methods: 36 third-year BA students started the trial. Twenty completed pre and post measures of OCD-beliefs, mood and OCD symptoms including relationship-obsessions. Participants were instructed to complete 3 min of daily training for a period of 15 days. Results: No significant differences were found between completers and non-completers on demographic and most symptom related measures at Time 1. Repeated-measures MANOVA of the 20 completers showed a significant reduction on all OCD symptoms measures and on OCD-beliefs. No significant reduction was found in depression symptoms. Regression analysis showed change in levels of OCD-beliefs was associated with reduction in OCD symptoms at Time 2 over and above OCD symptoms at Time 1. Limitations: The study is an open trial with non-clinical participants. Conclusions: This mobile delivered training exercise may be useful for the reduction and relapse prevention of OCD-related beliefs and symptoms.

Cite: Roncero, M., Belloch, A., & Doron, G. (2018). A novel approach of challenging OCD related beliefs using a mobile-app: An exploratory study. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 59, 157-160.

Parental preoccupation with their children’s perceived flaws are investigated.

A measure assessing parent-child ROCD symptoms is validated.

Parent-child ROCD symptoms are associated with increased parental stress, low mood, and OCD symptoms.

Parental reports indicate parent-child ROCD symptoms cause significant disability.

Parent-child obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms involve obsessive preoccupation on perceived flaws in one’s child. Such preoccupation is often accompanied by compulsive behaviors aimed at alleviating the resulting distress. Parent-child OC symptoms can be construed as an additional presentation of Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), a presentation of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in which symptoms are centered on a significant other. In this study, a self-report scale for assessing parent-child ROCD symptoms (the PROCSI-PC) was created on the bases of an existing partner-focused ROCD scale. Confirmatory Factor Analysis conducted on a sample of 350 parents supported a five factor solution of the PROCSI-PC corresponding to five perceived-flaw domains: appearance, intelligence, competence, morality, and sociability-stability. The PROCSI-PC total score was associated with parental OCD and mood symptoms, and with parental stress. Moreover, the PROCSI-PC was associated with greater depression above and beyond the effect of parental OCD symptoms, and with greater parental stress above and beyond the effects of OCD symptoms and depression. Finally, the PROCSI-PC was linked to self-reported disability resulting from obsessive preoccupation of parents on their child’s perceived flaws. The results indicate the parent-child OC symptoms may be a prevalent source of unique distress that is especially challenging for parents.

Cite: Doron, G., Derby, D., & Szepsenwol. O. (2017). “I can’t stop thinking about my child’s flaws”: An investigation of parental preoccupation with their children’s perceived flaws. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 14, 106-111. doi: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2017.06.007

Relationship Obsessive Compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a challenging disorder to treat. In this chapter we review theory and findings relating to current research focusing on ROCD, particularly in the context of romantic relationships. We use a case example throughout the chapter to present assessment and treatment interventions based on the proposed development and maintenance model.

Cite: Doron, G., & Derby, D. (2017). Assessment and treatment of relationship-related OCD symptoms (ROCD): A modular approach. In J. S. Abramowitz, D. McKay, & E. A. Storch (Eds.), The Wiley Handbook of Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, 547.

One year longitudinal links between two ROCD presentations were assessed.

Partner-focused symptoms were linked with increased relationship-centered symptoms.

Relationship-centered symptoms were linked with increased partner-focused symptoms.

The latter links were found only among individuals in long-lasting relationships

ROCD phenomena may self-perpetuate over time

Background. Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms are characterized by obsessive doubts and preoccupation centered on the relationship (i.e., relationship-centered) or the relationship partner (i.e. partner-focused). Such obsessions often lead to significant distress and are associated with compulsive behaviors (e.g., compulsive checking and reassurance seeking) aimed at mitigating this distress. The current study examined the reciprocal relationship between partner-focused and relationship-centered obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms over time. Method. Participants (N = 141) completed measures of partner-focused and relationship-centered OC symptoms at two time points one year apart. Results. Partner-focused symptoms were associated with a relative increase in relationship-centered symptoms one year later. Relationship-centered symptoms were associated with the persistence of partner-focused symptoms one year later, but only among individuals in long-lasting relationships. The potentially detrimental effects of ROCD symptoms within romantic relationships are discussed.

Cite: Szepsenwol. O., Shahar, B., & Doron, G. (2016). Letting it Linger: Exploring the Longitudinal Effects of Relationship-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Phenomena. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 11, 101-104. doi: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2016.10.001

Background. Obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on one’s romantic relationship and partner are receiving increasing clinical, theoretical and empirical attention. Commonly referred to as relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD), such symptoms have been linked with decreased relational and sexual functioning and lower mood, even after controlling for other obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. To date, however, these symptoms have been studied in community sample alone. In the present study, we compared levels of interference, OCD and mood symptom between clinical participants with ROCD, OCD and community controls. We also examined group differences in maladaptive beliefs previously linked with OCD and ROCD.

Method. Participants included 22 ROCD clients, 22 OCD clients, and 28 community controls. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to attain clinical diagnoses of OCD and ROCD. The Yale Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale was used to evaluate primary-symptoms severity. All participants completed measures of symptoms and dysfunctional beliefs.

Results. ROCD clients reported more severe ROCD symptoms than the OCD and control groups. ROCD and OCD clients did not differ in severity of their primary-symptoms. ROCD clients scored higher than the other groups on maladaptive OCD-related and relationship-related beliefs. Finally, ROCD clients showed more severe depression symptoms than community controls.

Conclusions. ROCD is a disabling presentation of OCD that warrants research attention. Maladaptive OCD-related and relationship-related beliefs may be implicated in the development and maintenance of ROCD.

Cite: Doron, G., Derby, Szepsenwol. O., Nahaloni, E., & Moulding, R. (2016). Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD): Interference, symptoms and maladaptive beliefs. Frontiers Psychiatry. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00058.

Partner-focused OC symptoms are associated with self-esteem (SE) sensitivity to negative partner-related intrusive thoughts.

Exposure to unfavorable intrusions of one’s partner to alternative partners decreases SE in individuals with high partner-focused symptoms.

SE of individuals with high partner-focused symptoms does not benefit from favorable intrusions of the same kind.

Treatments addressing such sensitivities may prove useful when treating Partner focused OC phenomena.

Background: Relationship-related obsessive-compulsive phenomena (ROCD) are encountered frequently in the clinic, and involve severe consequences to personal and relational well-being. One common presentation of ROCD involves disabling preoccupation and doubts focusing on intimate partner’s flaws (partner-focused obsessions). It was previously suggested that individuals perceiving their partner’s failures or flaws as reflecting on their own self-worth may be more sensitive to intrusive thoughts pertaining to their partner’s qualities and characteristics. In the current studies, we assessed the link between partner-focused OC symptoms and self-esteem contingent on partner-value. Methods: In two studies we assessed the impact of experimentally induced partner-focused intrusions on self-esteem. In Study 1, we assessed individuals’ self-esteem after one of three primes: (a) intrusion about one’s partner comparing unfavorably with others of the same sex (i.e., alternative partners), (b) intrusion about one’s partner comparing unfavorably to oneself, (c) and a neutral prime. In study 2, we tried to replicate Study 1 and also examine whether favorable intrusions of one’s partner would have an opposite effect on self-esteem than unfavorable intrusions. Results: Compared with the other groups, participants who were primed with intrusions of their partner being unfavorably compared to others reported lower self-esteem, but only if they had high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Favorable intrusions of partner to others did not have a positive effect on self-esteem among individuals with high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Conclusions: Partner-value self-sensitivity may be one of the perpetuating mechanisms involved in partner-focused OC phenomena.

Cite: Doron, G., & Szepsenwol. O. (2015). Partner-focused obsessions and self-esteem: An experimental investigation. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 49, 173-179.

Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is marked by the presence of obsessions and compulsions focusing on romantic relationships. ROCD symptoms were previously linked with decreased relationship quality and might interfere with sexual functioning. In this study, we examined the association between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction. Participants completed an online survey assessing ROCD symptoms, relationship and sexual satisfaction levels. Depression, general worry, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and attachment orientation were also measured. Findings suggest that ROCD symptoms were associated with decreased sexual satisfaction over and above symptoms of depression, general worry, OCD and attachment orientation. The link between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction was mediated by relationship satisfaction. Identifying and addressing ROCD symptoms may be important for treatment of sexual functioning.

Cite: Doron, G., Mizrahi, M., Szepsenwol, O., & Derby, D. (2014). Right or Flawed: Relationships Obsessions and Sexual Satisfaction. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 11, 2218-2224.

The phenomenology of relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is described

A conceptual framework for ROCD is offered

Development and maintenance mechanisms are proposed

Links between ROCD and related constructs are discussed

Suggestions for assessment and treatment are made

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling and prevalent disorder with a variety of clinical presentations and obsessional themes. Recently, research has begun to investigate relationship-related obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms including relationship-centered and partner-focused OC symptoms. In this paper, we present relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD), delineate its main features, and describe its phenomenology. Drawing on recent cognitive-behavioral models of OCD, social psychology and attachment research, we present a model of the development and maintenance of ROCD. The role of personality factors, societal influences, parenting, and family environments in the etiology and preservation of ROCD symptoms is also evaluated. Finally, the conceptual and empirical links between ROCD symptoms and related constructs are explored and theoretically driven assessment and intervention procedures are suggested.

Cite: Doron, G., Derby, D., & Szepsenwol. O. (2014). Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD): A conceptual framework. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 3, 169-180.

Links between relationship OC phenomena, attachment and self-vulnerabilities were assessed.

Both correlational and experimental designs were used.

Double relationship-vulnerability was linked with relationship-centered OC Phenomena.

Findings were not related to pre-existing variations in relevant variables.

Treatments addressing such vulnerabilities in relationship-OC phenomena may prove useful.

Background and Objectives: Obsessive preoccupation and doubts centering on one’s intimate relationship may have a negative impact on the romantic dyad and lead to significant distress. In this research we investigated whether the co-occurrence of attachment anxiety and overreliance on intimate relationships for self-worth—what we call double relationship-vulnerability—is linked with relationship-centered obsessions and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Method: Study 1 employed a correlational design to examine the link between double relationship-vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 employed an experimental design to assess response to subtle threats to the relationship self-domain among individuals with double relationship-vulnerability. Results: Study 1 supported the link between double relationship-vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 showed that when confronted with subtle threats to the relationship self-domain, individuals with double relationship-vulnerability are more likely to experience distress and engage in mitigating behavior in response to relationship doubts and fears. Limitations: Our studies were conducted with non-clinical samples. Conclusions: These findings suggest that double relationship-vulnerability may make individuals more susceptible to the development and maintenance of relationship-centered obsessions and compulsions.

Cite: Doron, G., Szepsenwol. O., Karp. E., & Gal. N. (2013) Obsessing About Intimate-Relationships: Testing the Double Relationship-Vulnerability Hypothesis.Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry.44, 433-440.

We investigated obsessive compulsive symptoms centering on intimate relationships.

The Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (ROCI) was developed and validated.

The ROCI significantly predicted depression and relationship related distress.

Effects remained after controlling for OCD, mood and relationship variables.

Relationship centered OC symptoms are an important theme for further research.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling anxiety disorder with a wide range of clinical presentations. Previous research has examined a variety of obsessional themes within OCD including contamination fears, sexual or aggressive obsessions and scrupulosity. Absent from current literature of OCD, however, is an investigation of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms centering on intimate relationships. The present investigation reports on the development and evaluation of the Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (ROCI), a 12-item measure assessing the severity of OC symptoms centering on three relationship dimensions: the individual’s feelings towards his or her partner, the partner’s feelings towards the individual, and the ‘‘rightness’’ of the relationship experience. Factor analysis supports a 3-factor structure of the ROCI above two alternative measurement models (Study 1). The ROCI was found to be internally consistent and showed the expected associations with OCD related symptoms and cognitions, mood and relationship variables (Study 2). Moreover, the ROCI significantly predicted depression and relationship related distress, over-and-above common OCD symptoms, and other mental health and relationship insecurity measures. Relationship-centered OC symptoms may be an important theme for further OCD research.

Cite: Doron, G., Derby, D., Szepsenwol. O., & Talmor. D. (2012). Tainted Love: exploring relationship-centered obsessive compulsive symptoms in two non-clinical cohorts. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 1, 16-24.

We investigated obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms focusing on one’s partner’s flaws.

The Partner Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Inventory (PROCSI) was developed.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were undertaken.

The expected links between the PROCSI and relevant variables were found.

Partner-focused OC symptoms constitute an important theme for further research.

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.

Cite: Doron, G., Derby, D., Szepsenwol. O., & Talmor. D. (2012). Flaws and All: Exploring Partner-Focused Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 1, 234-243

We introduce obsessive-compulsive symptoms centering on intimate relationships.

We present data supporting the validity and structure of this construct.

We propose a model integrating OCD cognitive beliefs, catastrophic relationship biases, self vulnerability and attachment insecurities.

We discuss possible theoretical and clinical implications of the proposed model and suggest future research directions.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling and prevalent anxiety disorder comprised of multiple symptoms and a variety of clinical presentations. Research had examined obsessional themes and compulsive behaviors such as contamination fears, pathological doubt, a need for symmetry or order, and sexual or aggressive obsessions. However, absent from current literature of OCD is the investigation of obsessive-compulsive symptoms relating to romantic relationships. In this paper, we introduce and discuss the theoretical construct of relationship-centered obsessive-compulsive phenomena. We then present preliminary data supporting the validity and structure of this construct. Consistent with recent models of OCD, we then propose a model integrating OCD related cognitive beliefs, catastrophic relationship biases, self-vulnerability and attachment insecurities in the maintenance and development of relationship-centered obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Finally, we discuss the possible theoretical and clinical implications of the proposed model and suggest future research directions.

Cite: Doron, G., Talmor, D., Szepsenwol, O., & Derby, S. D. (2012). Relationship-centered obsessive compulsive symptoms, Psicoterapia Cognitiva e Comportamentale, 18, 79-90.

We introduce the two types of obsessive-compulsive symptoms relating to intimate relationships.

We discuss similarities and differences in the underlying processes that may be involved in the maintenance and development of these two types of relationship-related obsessional themes.

We discuss possible theoretical and clinical implications.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling and prevalent anxiety disorder comprised of multiple symptoms and a variety of clinical presentations. Recently, research has begun to explore relationship-related obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms including relationship-centred and partner-focused OC symptoms. In this paper, we introduce and discuss the theoretical construct of relationship-related obsessive-compulsive phenomena. We then present data supporting the validity of the two types of relationship-related OC symptoms and show findings pertaining to their associations with theoretically related constructs. We then discuss similarities and differences in the underlying processes that may be involved in the maintenance and development of these two types of relationship-related obsessional themes. Finally, we discuss the possible theoretical and clinical implications of the proposed model and suggest future research directions.

Cite: Doron, G., Szepsenwol, O., Derby, S. D., & Nahaloni. E. (2012). Relationship-related obsessive-compulsive phenomena: The case of relationship-centred and partner-focused obsessive compulsive symptoms, Psicoterapia Cognitiva e Comportamentale, 18, Monograph Supplement, 71-82.

We present a model suggesting sensitivity in specific self-domains may increase preoccupations relating to these domains.

Dysfunctions of the attachment system can disrupt adaptive coping with intrusive experience.

We look at the morality and relationship self-domains in OCD.

For people with high attachment anxiety, experiences challenging an important self-domain can increase the accessibility of maladaptive cognitions and activate dysfunctional cognitive processes.

This can lead to the development of obsessional preoccupations and disabling compulsive behaviors.

Cite: Doron, G., Mikuincer, M., Sar-El, D., & Kyrios, M. (2015). Integrating psychodynamic and cognitive approaches to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – attachment insecurities and self-related sensitivities in the morality and relational domains in: Handbook of Contemporary Psychodynamic Approaches to Psychopathology, edited by P. Luyten, L. Mayes, P. Fonagy, M. Target, & S. J. Blatt; NY: Guilford Press.