| Current cognitive models of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) focus on maladaptive interpretations of normal, universally-experienced intrusive thoughts. These interpretations relate to how intrusive thoughts conflict with---and therefore threaten---one's self-concept. This dissertation reviews literature related to Cognitive Dissonance Theory and draws parallels to the internal tension sometimes generated by intrusive thoughts. It concludes that there is no qualitative difference between the two states. Based on this understanding, insights from cognitive dissonance research, and self-affirmation theory in particular, are applied to OCD and discomfort from intrusive thoughts. To test the assertions of this cognitive dissonance perspective, the effects of self-affirmation were experimentally tested using a simulated intrusive thought. The extent to which the simulated intrusive thought was perceived to conflict with self-concept consistently predicted the distress that participants experienced. There was also robust evidence that the distress experienced due to the simulated intrusive thought was associated with negative changes in self-concept. Finally, self-affirmation and neutralization showed equivalent results. Both showed some improvement over a no-intervention control group. Performing the two strategies in succession showed greater improvements in distress and threat appraisals than did either intervention alone. Taken together, the results reinforce the importance of self-concept in understanding the distress associated with intrusive thoughts (and possibly obsessions), and provide initial support for the effectiveness of self-affirmation as a coping strategy for that distress. |
