Obsessive compulsive symptoms and perceived parenting: A comparative study among only children and firstborns

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects 2-4% of the population and may manifest at a very young age. However, many may have obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms without meeting the criteria for the disorder. The aim of this study is to investigate the manifestation of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and contributory factors such as perceived parenting styles and their predominance in firstborns and only children specifically in an Indian context. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 100 young adults (50 firstborns and 50 only children) between 18 and 25 years of age, who have not been clinically diagnosed with OCD or any related disorders. A purposive sampling method was used to select the participants. Tools used for the study included sociodemographic details, an “Intrusive Thoughts Task”, Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised, and the Parental Authority Scale. Results: On comparing both groups on all dimensions, the Father Authoritarian dimension (p = .017) was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the manifestation of OC symptoms between firstborns and only children. Authoritative parenting styles were perceived to be more prevalent within the sample. Conclusion: The findings of the study provide insight into the potential symptomology of OCD in firstborns and only children as well as open up various areas of inquiry that must be taken into consideration for future studies relating to changes in parenting styles in the 21st century.