The scrupulosity obsessions and compulsions scale: A measurement of scrupulosity within an OCD framework

Abstract

Scrupulosity is a psychological construct defined by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors centered on religion or morality. Scrupulosity, in its severe form, may manifest as obsessive-compulsive disorder, and is related to negative outcomes. There are relatively few scales measuring scrupulosity; those that exist have serious limitations. This study addresses these limitations by creating and psychometrically validating the new Scrupulosity Obsessions and Compulsions Scale (SOCS). To determine final items, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted using university (n = 1345) and community (n = 496) samples and scale forms were assessed for concurrent, convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity. The initial EFA resulted in 10 items, consisting of one factor of compulsion items and one factor of obsession items. These 10 items accounted for 59.87% of the common variance, and a bifactor model demonstrated acceptable fit (χ²(25) = 113.495, p < .001, CFI = .978, TLI = .960, RMSEA = .051 (90% CI [.042, .061]), and SRMR = .027). The SOCS demonstrated evidence of concurrent, convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity with relation to scrupulosity, OCD, anxiety, religiosity, and male role norms. Both subscales met reliability standards α = .85 and α = .83. The SOCS provides a concise method to measure scrupulosity's nature.