Further investigation of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire: Factor structure and specificity of relations with OCD symptoms

Cognitive models of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) posit that certain beliefs are important to the development and maintenance of OCD symptoms. The Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ) is a new measure developed to assess these beliefs. Supported by initial research, this study further examined the OBQ, focusing on structural issues and its relations with OCD and other symptoms. Results were that previous 3- and 4-factor models did not fit the current data adequately using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). However, a modified 3-factor model was generated using exploratory factor analysis and subsequently supported using CFA. The OBQ showed specific relevance to OCD and not to Panic Disorder or Major Depression once general distress was controlled. Only modest specificity was found within relations between OBQ scales and particular OCD scales, such as those involving beliefs about Perfectionism/Certainty and OCD rituals pertaining to symmetry, ordering, arranging, and grooming.