Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Melbourne, Dept. of Psychology, 2004. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 275-322).

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published_or_final_version / English Studies / Master / Master of Arts

Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--York University, 1998. Graduate Programme in Psychology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 188-213). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pNQ39312.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references. Available also from UMI Company.

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The purpose of this thesis was to investigate a specific cognitive theory of obsessions; namely, that unwanted and repugnant intrusive thoughts cause distress and persist when the person interprets their occurrence as highly personally significant and important. Two studies were conducted. In the first study, we described the development and undertook a validation study of a new scale of obsessional-compulsive symptoms, the Vancouver Obsessional Compulsive Inventory (VOCI). This measure was a necessary first step because established measures of obsessional-compulsive symptoms are inadequate in their assessment of a number of domains of obsessional-compulsive complaints, particularly obsessions. Our findings in samples of people with obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), people with other anxiety disorders or depression, community adults, and undergraduate students suggest that the VOCI is a promising new measure. In the second study, we investigated the role of interpretations of the personal significance and importance of intrusive thoughts in the occurrence of obsessions. Specifically, we hypothesized that people who have repugnant obsessions or frequent, distressing intrusive thoughts would interpret their intrusive thoughts as highly personally significant and important. Our hypotheses were, in general, supported. There was a clear relationship between beliefs and interpretations of the importance of thoughts and obsessions in both OCD and nonclinical samples. In addition, these beliefs and appraisals appeared to be specifically related to repugnant obsessions, rather than obsessive-compulsive complaints in general. This research represents one of the first attempts to evaluate the assertion that misinterpretations of intrusive thoughts are fundamental in the experience of obsessions. The development of the VOCI was a necessary first step in evaluating the relationship between interpretations of personal significance and particular obsessional-compulsive complaints. By demonstrating specific interpretations that are associated with clinical obsessions, we hope to refine cognitive-behavioural models of obsessions, and suggest ways in which current cognitive-behaviour therapy for obsessions can be sharpened and made more effective.

The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that perceived responsibility is a major determinant of compulsive checking. Thirty participants recruited from the community through the local media, who met criteria for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, received four conditions. In the low responsibility condition, perceived responsibility for an anticipated negative eventt was transferred to the experimenter. In contrast, in the high responsibility condition, perceived responsibility for an anticipated negative event was given to the participant. The remaining two conditions served as control conditions. Subjects were assessed before and after each experimental manipulation. Results suggest a causal connection between decreases in perceived responsibility and compulsive checking. Decreases in perceived responsibility produced decreases in several measures critical to compulsive checking. Results from increases in perceived responsibility were less clear. However, increases in perceived responsibility lead to increases in panic and likelihood of anticipated criticism. There were trends for increases in perceived responsibility to lead to increases in perceptions of discomfort experienced, urge to check, and severity of anticipated criticism. There was no relationship between variations in perceived responsibility and perceived extent of controllability over an anticipated negative event. Theoretical implications of the results and, in particular, the value of a cognitive analysis of compulsive checking, are discussed.

The primary objective of this study is to increase knowledge about the inter-relationship between parenting and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents. More specifically, this study sets out to understand the impact or influence of fathers on children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder. This study further examines the changing roles of fathers and the impact these have on their children with obsessive-compulsive disorder. In an attempt to gain new insights into the father-child relationship, I have placed an emphasis on both risk and protective factors. That is, the study examines the lived experience of these fathers encompassing their interpretation of their children's obsessions and compulsions as well as their response to same, which has further consequences for themselves and their children. I was also the intent of this study to move away from "blaming" the parent or the child and instead, to examine the transactional nature of the emergence and maintenance of obsessive-compulsive disorder.