The relationship between sensory processing, childhood rituals and obsessive–compulsive symptoms

Background and objectivesStudies of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and research in occupational therapy suggest a link between sensory hypersensitivity and excessive use of rituals. The present research constitutes an initial attempt to examine this potential link.MethodsIn Study 1, parents of 4–6-year old children (N = 61) completed the Childhood Routine Inventory, the Sensory Profile and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders. In Study 2 we administered an adapted version of the sensory profile to an internet sample of adult participants (N = 314) together with the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory-Revised, the anxiety subscale of the International Personality Item Pool – NEO and items measuring participants’ recollection of their childhood oral and tactile hypersensitivity.ResultsStrong reactions to everyday sensory events were highly correlated with childhood ritualism, even after controlling for anxiety. In the adult sample, current and recollected oral and tactile hypersensitivity were significantly related to OCD symptoms.LimitationsIn Study 1, children’s sensory sensitivity was not tested directly, but rather through parental report. The scale was developed ad hoc based on face validity and relationship with ritualism. The studies were cross-sectional in design. Study 2 partially relied on recollection of childhood behavior.ConclusionsThe results suggest a strong relationship between sensory sensitivity, childhood ritualism and adult OCD symptoms. Oral and tactile hypersensitivity in childhood may be one pathway to adult OCD.

► In kindergarten children, dysfunctional sensory processing was highly correlated with childhood ritualism.
► In adults, both current and recollected oral and tactile hypersensitivity were significantly related to OCD symptoms.
► These correlations were not accounted for by anxiety levels.