Objective: To investigate the dysfunctional beliefs and thought-control strategies used by the individuals with non-clinical obsessive-compulsive disorder (i.e. no history of seeking medical care for their obsessive-compulsive disorder (QCD)) in comparison with normal individuals.
Method: The participants in this cross-sectional study were 30 people diagnosed with QCD based on DSM-IV criteria, and 30 normal people. All the participants were tested with the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS) and the Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ).
Results: In all sub-scales of the DAS (except for the Effecting sub-scale) as well as in the total score, the non-clinical QCD participants scored significantly higher than the control group. In other words, the QCD group had more dysfunctional attitudes than the control group. Also, the results on thought-control strategies showed that the QCD people used punishment, worry, re-assessment and social control more.
Conclusion: These findings imply that the individuals with non-clinical QCD may use irrational thoughts and non adaptive strategies, when faced with obsessive thoughts and actions.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2003/08/23 | Accepted: 2003/10/23 | Published: 2003/12/22