Maladaptive beliefs in relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD): Replication and extension in a clinical sample

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. 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.