Tainted love: Exploring relationship-centered obsessive compulsive symptoms in two non-clinical cohorts

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling anxiety disorder with a wide range of clinical presentations. Previous research has examined a variety of obsessional themes within OCD including contamination fears, sexual or aggressive obsessions and scrupulosity. Absent from current literature of OCD, however, is an investigation of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms centering on intimate relationships. The present investigation reports on the development and evaluation of the Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (ROCI), a 12-item measure assessing the severity of OC symptoms centering on three relationship dimensions: the individual's feelings towards his or her partner, the partner's feelings towards the individual, and the “rightness” of the relationship experience. Factor analysis supports a 3-factor structure of the ROCI above two alternative measurement models (Study 1). The ROCI was found to be internally consistent and showed the expected associations with OCD related symptoms and cognitions, mood and relationship variables (Study 2). Moreover, the ROCI significantly predicted depression and relationship related distress, over-and-above common OCD symptoms, and other mental health and relationship insecurity measures. Relationship-centered OC symptoms may be an important theme for further OCD research.

▶ We investigated obsessive compulsive symptoms centering on intimate relationships. ▶ The Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (ROCI) was developed and validated. ▶ The ROCI significantly predicted depression and relationship related distress. ▶ Effects remained after controlling for OCD, mood and relationship variables. ▶ Relationship centered OC symptoms are an important theme for further research.