OCD symptoms are related to seeking and relying on external information even in neutral perceptual decisions

Introduction

Doubt and decision-making difficulties are very common in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the present study, we focused on a particular feature of decision-making in OCD – increased information-seeking. Based on the Seeking Proxies for Internal States and the Intolerance for Uncertainty theoretical frameworks, we hypothesized that OCD symptoms will be positively associated with information-seeking, even for neutral perceptual decisions.

Method

Fifty-eight UK participants were recruited via Prolific. They performed a perceptual decision-making task and completed questionnaires assessing OCD and associated variables. The perceptual task entailed locating the exact mid-point of a brightness continuum of a specific hue. Upon request, participants could obtain objective hints (purported responses of other participants), although hints incurred time-out penalties.

Results

Consistent with our hypothesis, OCD symptom levels predicted how many hints participants requested, even after controlling for anxiety and depression symptoms. Additionally, OCD symptoms were partially related to indecisiveness in the task.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that obsessive-compulsive tendencies are related to indecisiveness and to seeking external information even in a neutral context. Moreover, OCD tendencies were related to finding external information desirable enough to justify mildly aversive penalties. This need for clarity and objectivity might account for the development of compulsions despite personal costs.