Perception of memory ability and confidence in recollections in obsessive-compulsive checking.
Inconsistencies in research on deficits in memory for actions in studies of obsessive-compulsive (OC) checking have refocused investigators on beliefs such as confidence in the accuracy of recall as a possible motivation for checking. Poor confidence in relation to recall may be specific (perceived poor recall for a particular event) or general (perceived poor memory ability for that class of events). The present study examines both perception of memory ability and confidence in recollections in OC checkers across a range of situations, obsessive and non-obsessive. These ratings were compared with those of non-checking obsessional patients, anxious controls and non-clinical controls. OC checkers reported poorer perception of memory ability than other groups in situations for which they are responsible, both OC relevant and OC non-relevant. OC checkers also reported lower confidence in recollections compared to the other groups; this was specific to obsessional situations for which they are responsible. These findings are considered in the context of the cognitive model of OCD.
Cougle
Jesse R
JR
Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3UD, UK. cougle@mail.utexas.edu <cougle@mail.utexas.edu>
Salkovskis
Paul M
PM
Wahl
Karina
K
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001076:Aptitude; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D011939:Mental Recall; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires