Inferential confusion, obsessive beliefs, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms: a replication and extension.
This study replicated and extended previous research regarding utility of an inference-based approach (IBA) to the study of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The IBA is a model for the development of OCD symptoms through false reasoning. One of its key features is inferential confusion-a form of processing information in which an individual accepts a remote possibility based only on subjective evidence. In a nonclinical sample, this study examined the specificity of relations between the expanded Inferential Confusion Questionnaire (ICQ-EV) and OC symptoms. Results were that the ICQ-EV significantly predicted OC symptoms after controlling for general distress, anxiety, and depression. This finding supports the unique association between inferential confusion and OCD. Further, the ICQ-EV was a stronger predictor of certain OC symptoms than scales from the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire, which itself has shown strong relations with OC symptoms. Thus, both inference-based and cognitive appraisal models appear useful for understanding OCD.
Northern Illinois University, 311 Psychology-Computer Science Bldg, Department of Psychology, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States. kevinwu@niu.edu
Kevin D
KD
Wu
Frederick
F
Aardema
Kieron P
KP
O'Connor
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003221:Confusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009770:Obsessive Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires