An Examination of Magical Beliefs as Predictors of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptom Dimensions
Issue Date
2014-08-31Author
Spears, Lauren
Publisher
University of Kansas
Format
78 pages
Type
Dissertation
Degree Level
Ph.D.
Discipline
Psychology
Rights
This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
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Show full item recordAbstract
Research suggests that the magical belief constructs of superstition, thought-action fusion (TAF), and magical ideation are related to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). However, the nature of these relationships is poorly understood. The current study improved on methodological limitations of previous studies and used the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS) to conceptualize OCD as a dimensional construct. Relationships between magical belief constructs and four OCD symptom dimensions were examined in a large sample of undergraduates. The magical belief constructs were found to differentially predict all four OCD symptom dimensions. Specifically, magical ideation predicted the following three OCD symptom dimensions: contamination concerns and cleaning/washing compulsions; unacceptable violent, religious, and sexual obsessions and related compulsions; and symmetry obsessions and ordering compulsions. Superstition and TAF Likelihood-Self both predicted obsessions about responsibility for harm, injury, or bad luck and related compulsions. TAF Moral also predicted contamination concerns and cleaning/washing compulsions. Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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