Longitudinal aspects of obsessive compulsive cognitions in a non-clinical sample: A five-year follow-up study

► In a test of the stability of obsessive compulsive beliefs, we examined respondents over a five year period. ► The results showed that obsessive-compulsive cognitions varied significantly over time. ► It was also found that the OBQ predicted symptom scales (Impaired Mental Control, Contamination and Checking) only at baseline. ► However symptom scores remained stable at each time point, as shown by the subscales of Impaired Mental Control, Contamination and Checking of the PI and the BAI, BDI and WDQ. ► Implications for future research and the cognitive model of OCD are discussed.