The Relevance of Analogue Studies for Understanding Obsessions and Compulsions
Document Type
Article
Disciplines
Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Abstract
Analogue samples are often used to study obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms and related phenomena. This approach is based on the hypothesis that results derived from such samples are relevant to understanding OC symptoms in individuals with a diagnosis of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Two decades ago, Gibbs (1996) reviewed the available literature and found initial support for this hypothesis. Since then there have been many important advances addressing this issue. The purpose of the present review was to synthesize various lines of research examining the assumptions of using analogue samples to draw inferences about people with OCD.We reviewed research on the prevalence of OC symptoms in non-clinical populations, the dimensional (vs. categorical) nature of these symptoms, phenomenology, etiology, and studies on developmental and maintenance factors in clinical and analogue samples. We also considered the relevance of analogue samples in OCD treatment research. The available evidence suggests researchwith analogue samples is highly relevant for understanding OC symptoms. Guidelines for the appropriate use of analogue designs and samples are suggested.
Article Number
1419
Publication Date
2014
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Abramowitz, J.S., Fabricant, L.E., Taylor, S., Deacon, B.J., McKay, D., & Storch, E.A. (2014). The utility of analogue studies for understanding obsessions and compulsions. Clinical Psychology Review, 34, 206-217.
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