Psychometric properties of a Dutch version of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire—Child Version (OBQ-CV)

To improve research in cognitive theories of childhood OCD, a child version of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ-CV) has been developed (Coles et al., 2010). In the present study, psychometric properties of the Dutch OBQ-CV were examined in a community sample (N = 547; 8–18 years) and an OCD sample (N = 67; 8–18 years). Results revealed good internal consistency and adequate retest reliability (retest interval 7–21 weeks and 6–12 weeks, respectively). Children with OCD reported more beliefs than non-clinical children. Obsessive beliefs were related to self-reported OCD symptoms, but not to clinician-rated OCD severity. Beliefs were also related to anxiety and depression. This is the first study examining the factor structure of the OBQ-CV. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed best fit for four factors representing Perfectionism/Certainty, Importance/Control of Thoughts, Responsibility, and Threat, and a higher-order factor. This is in line with results from adult samples. These results support the reliability and validity of the Dutch OBQ-CV.

► The Dutch OBQ-CV showed good internal consistency and adequate retest reliability.
► Children with OCD reported more obsessive beliefs than non-clinical children.
► Obsessive beliefs were related to self-reported OCD symptoms, anxiety and depression.
► Obsessive beliefs were not related to clinician-rated OCD severity.