non-biological explanation of ocd: cognitive theory Flashcards
(17 cards)
how does cognitive theory explain ocd?
- people with ocd misinterpret their thoughts
- they have false beliefs learned earlier in life
- these beliefs cause compulsive behaviour
how do intrusive thoughts relate to ocd?
- everyone has intrusive thoughts sometimes
- people with ocd exaggerate their importance
- they see them as real threats
- this causes high anxiety and negative emotions
how does cognitive theory explain the persistence of ocd?
- intrusive thoughts are seen as “catastrophic”
- believing these thoughts are true causes distress
- leads to avoidance or ritual behaviours to cope
what false beliefs contribute to the development of ocd according to cognitive theory?
- exaggerated responsibility (believing you must prevent harm)
- thoughts are too important and must be controlled
- thinking something makes it more likely to happen
- overestimating the likelihood of danger
- belief that perfection is required and mistakes are unacceptable
how do people with ocd try to neutralise their thoughts?
- avoid situations that trigger thoughts
- engage in rituals to reduce anxiety
- anxiety from thoughts leads to compulsive behaviours
how can a lack of confidence in memory explain ocd? (2)
- people with ocd doubt their memory
- they repeatedly check things to be sure
- this lack of confidence leads to compulsive behaviours
what did sher et al (1989) find about memory in people with ocd?
- people with ocd have poor memory for their actions
- they struggle to remember things like turning off lights
what did trivedi (1996) find about memory in people with ocd?
- people with ocd have low confidence in their memory
- their non-verbal memory is impaired
what did woods et al. (2002) find about memory in people with ocd?
- meta analysis
- people with ocd had slightly worse memory for recalling stimuli
- they felt their memory was inadequate compared to non-ocd individuals
how does hypervigilance explain ocd?
- hypervigilance = attentional bias towards threats
- rapid eye movements to scan for threats
- selectively focus on threat-related stimuli
- leads to anxiety and obsessions
- compulsive behaviors reduce anxiety
how can hypervigilance explain ocd? (3)
- sufferers may be hypervigilant (constantly alert)
- they overfocus on potential threats or mistakes
- this heightened awareness leads to compulsive checking and anxiety (williams et al, 1997)
what did rahman (2004) find in their case study on ocd?
- case study showed someone with blood-related ocd
- hypervigilance helped her recall all past instances of contact with blood
- this heightened focus contributed to her obsession
what is a limitation of cognitive explanations for ocd? (c+e)
- doesn’t prove cause and effect
- faulty cognitions could be a symptom, not the cause
- the actual cause might be biological
what did the pediatric ocd treatment study (POTS, 2004) find about treatments for ocd?
- CBT was more effective than drug treatment
- minor improvement when CBT combined with drug therapy
- suggests CBT is the best treatment for children and adolescents when done well
what is a limitation of the cognitive explanation for ocd? (reductionist)
- it’s reductionist
- ignores the role of biology (e.g. brain structure)
- ignores the role of learning in developing faulty cognitions
what did van balkom et al (1996) find about cognitive therapy for ocd?
- cognitive therapy was as effective as drug treatment
- supports cognitive theory because if ocd were purely biological, drugs should be more effective than cognitive treatment
what did salkovskis and kirk (1997) find in their diary study on ocd?
- people with ocd had more intrusive thoughts on days they tried to suppress them
- supports the idea that attempting to control thoughts can increase their frequency
