Date of Submission
2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Stephanie H. Felgoise, PhD, ABPP
First Advisor
Stephen Poteau, PhD
Second Advisor
Donald Masey, PhD
Third Advisor
Kevin Kelley, PhD
Abstract
Introduction: Ritual behaviors help manage uncertainty and anxiety by providing a sense of control, but rigid engagement in such behaviors can indicate obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD). Most OCD research has focused on harm-avoidance versus "not-just-right-experiences" (NJREs), with exposure and ritual prevention (ERP) being less effective for those without clear feared outcomes. Anthropomorphizing, or assigning human traits to objects, complicates OCD treatment, particularly for those with hoarding behaviors.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between OCD with and without hoarding behaviors ("saving" behavior) and anthropomorphism. Given ERP’s role in OCD treatment, understanding how anthropomorphism affects OCD is crucial. It was hypothesized that (a) individuals with saving OCD (OCD+) would exhibit higher anthropomorphism than non-saving OCD (OCD-), (b) both OCD groups would report higher thought suppression than controls, and (c) OCD+ would show higher levels of both anthropomorphism and thought suppression.
Methods: An online survey assessed anthropomorphism using the IDAQ, OCD with the OCI-R, saving behavior with the SIR, thought suppression with the WBSI, and demographic information.
Results: OCD+ participants showed significantly higher anthropomorphism and greater difficulty controlling thoughts compared to OCD- and control groups. They also reported the highest levels of both thought suppression and anthropomorphism.
Discussion: These findings suggest that saving behaviors in OCD are associated with difficulty controlling thoughts and a stronger tendency to anthropomorphize, potentially making it harder to discard possessions. These results emphasize the need for tailored approaches in ERP for individuals with anthropomorphic tendencies.
Recommended Citation
O’Neill, Kaitlyn, "(In)Animate: Exploring the Relationship Between Obsessivecompulsive Disorder, Perceived Thought Control, and Anthropomorphism" (2025). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 690.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/690