Evaluation of Disgust Proneness and Negative Emotional Schemas Effects on Different Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Dimensions: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be defined with symptom dimensions such as contamination, responsibility for harm and mistakes, unacceptable thoughts, and symmetry as a heterogeneous disorder. Our study aimed to examine effects of disgust proneness (DP) and negative emotional schemas, which are assumed crucial for OCD symptom dimensions on these dimensions. Methods: 146 OCD patients evaluated in the study, completing the Dimensional Obsessions and Compulsions Scale (DOCS), Leahy Emotional Schema Scale-II (LESS-II), and Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-Revised (DPSS-R) though stepwise regression analysis. Results: Our results demonstrated that the DPSS-disgust propensity (beta=0.568) and LESS II-loss of control (beta=0.174) subscale scores were the main predictors of the DOCS-contamination subscale score. But only, LESS II-loss of control subscale (beta=0.448) was unique predictor of the DOCS-responsibility for harm and mistakes subscale score; LESS II-rumination (beta=0.309), LESS II-incomprehensibility (beta=0.253), and LESS II-low consensus (beta=0.163) subscale scores were the main predictors of the DOCS-Unacceptable thoughts subscale score. LESS IIincomprehensibility (beta=0.275) and LESS II-overly rational (beta =0.210) subscale were main predictors of the DOCS-Symmetry subscale score. Conclusion: This study has important implications for the cognitive and emotional conceptualizations and enabling of different psychotherapeutic approaches to the OCD dimension. These findings could enlighten future research and potentially guide the development of the most targeted interventions in treatment for individuals with OCD.