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Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran. , sohrabi@atu.ac.ir
Abstract: (130 Views)
Background: Relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a debilitating disorder that has a significant negative impact on couples' lives. The literature on the effects of environmental and interpersonal factors on ROCD symptoms is not yet fully developed. In this regard, there is a research gap regarding the role of attachment styles and childhood trauma in predicting ROCD in Iran.
Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of attachment styles and childhood trauma in predicting symptoms of relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD).
Methods: The research method was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of the study included all married individuals residing in Tehran in 2024, from whom 281 individuals (including 223 women and 58 men) were selected using convenience sampling. Research data were also collected using Partner-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (Doron et al., 2012), Adult Attachment Inventory (Hazan & Shaver, 1987), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (Bernstein et al., 2003). Research data analysis was also performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS-26 software.
Results: The results showed that insecure attachment styles, including anxious attachment (β= 0.139) and avoidant attachment (β= 0.140), were positive and significant predictors of ROCD symptoms, while secure attachment (β= -0.180) had a protective role for it. The results also indicated that childhood trauma was a strong predictor of ROCD overall, explaining 53.1% of the variance. In the final combined model, which explained 63.5% of the variance in ROCD, physical abuse (β= 0.249) was the strongest predictor, emotional neglect (β= 0.117) was the weakest predictor, and physical neglect (β= 0.027) had no significant effect in the final model.
Conclusion: The most important implication of the findings of this study for clinicians is that the assessment of individuals with ROCD should go beyond superficial symptoms and actively explore the client's attachment history and traumatic childhood experiences, and it is suggested that trauma- and attachment-based approaches be considered in therapeutic interventions for these individuals.
Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of attachment styles and childhood trauma in predicting symptoms of relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD).
Methods: The research method was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of the study included all married individuals residing in Tehran in 2024, from whom 281 individuals (including 223 women and 58 men) were selected using convenience sampling. Research data were also collected using Partner-Related Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (Doron et al., 2012), Adult Attachment Inventory (Hazan & Shaver, 1987), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (Bernstein et al., 2003). Research data analysis was also performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression analysis using SPSS-26 software.
Results: The results showed that insecure attachment styles, including anxious attachment (β= 0.139) and avoidant attachment (β= 0.140), were positive and significant predictors of ROCD symptoms, while secure attachment (β= -0.180) had a protective role for it. The results also indicated that childhood trauma was a strong predictor of ROCD overall, explaining 53.1% of the variance. In the final combined model, which explained 63.5% of the variance in ROCD, physical abuse (β= 0.249) was the strongest predictor, emotional neglect (β= 0.117) was the weakest predictor, and physical neglect (β= 0.027) had no significant effect in the final model.
Conclusion: The most important implication of the findings of this study for clinicians is that the assessment of individuals with ROCD should go beyond superficial symptoms and actively explore the client's attachment history and traumatic childhood experiences, and it is suggested that trauma- and attachment-based approaches be considered in therapeutic interventions for these individuals.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/08/25 | Accepted: 2025/10/28 | Published: 2026/03/21
Received: 2025/08/25 | Accepted: 2025/10/28 | Published: 2026/03/21
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