Feared identity and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
We tested predictions from cognitive-behavioural theory that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) regard their intrusions as revealing unacceptable aspects of their character. We compared an OCD sample with anxious controls (AC) and non-anxious controls (NAC) on a measure of the extent to which intrusions led to negative inferences about the self, assessed the discrepancy between their actual and feared self, and recorded the traits making up the feared self. The OCD sample did not differ from AC on self-discrepancies, but did differ from both control groups on the measure of negative inferences about the self. In addition, the feared self of the OCD sample was significantly more likely to consist of bad and immoral traits.
Ferrier
Sue
S
Subdepartment of Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Brewin
Chris R
CR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D012941:Social Responsibility