Obsessive Compulsive Phenomenon: Measurement of Normal Obsessions in a Non-Clinical Female Population

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Obsessive Compulsive Phenomenon: Measurement of Normal Obsessions in a Non-Clinical Female Population

Journal Title: INDIAN JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH - Year 2016, Vol 3, Issue 4

Abstract

Introduction: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the fourth most common psychological disorder; and epidemiological studies have shown that OCD has a prevalence rate of about 2%. Normal obsessions are a common experience that are similar to abnormal obsessions, in their form and content and researchers propose the existence of a continuum between normal intrusive thoughts and clinical obsessions which enable the study of obsessive phenomenon in non-clinical populations. Methodology: The research undertaken was exploratory in nature and done to observe the occurrence of normal (non-clinical) obsessions in an undergraduate, sub-clinical female population. The data was obtained by administering a self-report measure of obsessive compulsive symptoms, the Padua Inventory (PI). A randomized sample of 134 female undergraduates, (age range from 18 years to 21 years) was used as the sample for the study from two colleges in Mumbai. Participants were asked to report their age and religion. Scores on the Padua Inventory were tabulated and calculated by simple addition. Separate mean and standard deviation scores on the basis of religion (Hindu, Christian, Muslim and other religions) were calculated to study the effect of religion on occurrence of normal obsession, if any. Results: The mean score was found to be highest for the Muslim sub-clinical sample, 79.44 (SD = 25.21). However, the lowest mean score was calculated for the Christian sub-clinical sample, 64.94 (SD = 25.73). Hindus and Muslims have ritualistic practices that are ingrained in them since childhood, as a consequence of being imposed upon them. Practices like washing hands and feet before sitting for a meal, bathing before entering the temple or the kitchen, washing hands before performing any religious activity, entering a new place or house with the right foot and several other practices, incorporated continually have become habitual. Conclusions: Results showed that normal obsessions occur to a great extent in the general (non-clinical) population and are mostly overlooked or left unattended. With over 50 participants scoring above the criterion score of 80 (as mentioned), it shows that the OC phenomena is considerably prevalent and can be explored further. The future implications for the study are immense, since such a research has not been undertaken in the Indian context. Such a study can be repeated with males so as to obtain datarepresentative of the entire population and further enable understanding of gender differences in the OC phenomenon.

Authors and Affiliations

Pragya Lodha, Deepika Bhandari

Keywords

EP ID EP251017
DOI 10.30877/IJMH.3.4.2016.440-445
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