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Obsessive -compulsive disorder (OCD ) can be a disabling mental condition . Although research has suggested that OCD can affect occupational , social , and interpersonal functioning , few research studies have examined the effects of OCD on romantic relationships . While research has shown that individuals with OCD report lower levels of relationship satisfaction , no research to date has been able to establish a relationship between OCD symptom severity and relationship satisfaction . The aim of the current study was to examine romantic relationship functioning in individuals with OCD . Participants with OCD were recmited from a national conference (N= 64 ) and completed measures of OCD symptoms , depressive symptoms , relationship satisfaction , intimacy , relationship worry , and self -disclosure .
Results suggested that symptoms of OCD can be detrimental to romantic relationship functioning . Correlations revealed that the severity of obsessions was negatively associated with intimacy , relationship satisfaction , and self -disclosure . Partial correlations revealed that the early age of OCD onset was negatively associated with relationship fimctioning when controlling for the severity of obsessions , sex , and depressive symptoms . Results from logistic regression showed that the early age of OCD onset also was a significant predictor of marital status such that individuals who were diagnosed v^th OCD at an earlier age were less likely to be married . An ANCOVA revealed that participants who worry about telling their romantic partner about their obsessions and compulsions disclosed significantly less intimate and personal details about themselves when controlling for depressive symptoms . Results from stmctural equation modeling revealed that the severity of compulsions significantly predicted higher levels of relationship satisfaction . Moreover , intimacy was a significant moderator in the relationship between the severity of obsessions and relationship satisfaction such that intimacy buffered the negative effects of obsessions on relationship satisfaction . Results also indicated that participants who have contamination fears also worry about becoming contaminated through sexual activity with their romantic partner .
However , the hypothesis that depressive symptoms moderate the relationship between OCD symptom severity and relationship satisfaction was not supported . The hypothesis that depressive symptoms moderate the relationship between relationship worry and relationship satisfaction also was not supported . The clinical implications and future directions for research are discussed . |
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