The contribution of inferential confusion and fear of self to psychological models of obsessive-compulsive symptoms: A dimensional approach

Current psychological models of obsessive-compulsive disorder account for a surprisingly small degree of variability in obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms in statistical models. The current study examined whether constructs from the inference-based approach to OCD (i.e., inferential confusion and fear of self) explain OC symptom dimensions above and beyond what is explained by the prevailing cognitive appraisal model. Undergraduate participants (N = 339) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires assessing OC symptoms, obsessive beliefs, inferential confusion, and fear of self. Results revealed that both psychological models together accounted for about one quarter of the variance in OC symptoms. The inference-based approach concepts most closely aligned with responsibility, symmetry, and unacceptable thoughts, and added explanatory value to appraisal models of these symptom domains. Limitations and future directions are discussed.