Covert or connected: Motivations for online and interpersonal reassurance-seeking in OCD

Abstract

Interpersonal reassurance-seeking is a common anxiety-management strategy used by individuals with a range of disorders, but can be particularly repetitive and exacting among individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Although this strategy yields short-term relief, it also comes at a cost, creating frustration and straining relationships. Non-interpersonal sources of reassurance—such as the internet—have been less thoroughly studied, but may offer unique advantages. In this mixed-methods study, we explored the differentiating benefits and drawbacks of interpersonal and online reassurance-seeking for individuals with and without OCD. Participants (n = 62 OCD, n = 58 control) completed an imaginal exposure task, after which they indicated their reassurance source preference (interpersonal vs. online) and their primary reasons for this preference. Participants also answered two general questions about their usual motivations for seeking reassurance from each source at the exclusion of the other. We used content analysis to identify patterns in participants’ responses, and quantitative methods to examine the most common motivations as well as any between-group differences. Common reasons for seeking reassurance interpersonally included desires for emotional support and personalization, and these findings did not differ between groups. Common reasons for online reassurance typically involved interpersonal concerns, and participants with OCD were more likely to specifically express concern about the personal consequences of revealing one’s worries to others. Motivations related to trust and seeking shared experiences were common for both reassurance types. These findings are discussed in the context of the broader literature on reassurance-seeking and obsessive-compulsive symptomatology.