Termination of washing compulsions: A problem of internal reference criteria or ‘not just right’ experience?

Recent research suggests that obsessive–compulsive washers are more likely than individuals without washing compulsions to use conscious, internal reference criteria when deciding when to terminate compulsions (Wahl, Salkovskis, & Cotter, 2008). An alternative view is that they possess tendencies towards non-cognitive, automatic ‘not just right’ experiences (NJREs) that influence compulsion duration. The current study sought to investigate the latter explanation using valid behavioral tasks. Non-clinical participants (N = 133) completed self-report measures, immersed their hands in a dirt mixture, and afterwards were allowed to wash their hands. Additionally, a subset of participants completed an in vivo assessment of NJRE using a pile of clutter. Total number and intensity of NJREs were predictive of hand-washing duration. Additionally, affective response to the clutter was uniquely predictive of hand-washing duration when controlling for pre-wash anxiety. These results suggest that internal reference criteria as well as NJREs may influence compulsive washing, though the former may be a consequence of the latter.

► Termination of washing compulsions may be influenced by ‘not just right’ experiences (NJREs). ► The role of NJREs in compulsive washing was examined using behavioral tasks. ► Self-report and behavioral measures of NJREs were predictive of washing duration.