To catch an obsession: prevalence and predictors of obsession contagion in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

For decades, emotional contagion literature has provided evidence that everyday emotions such as fear, anger, disgust, sadness, and joy may transfer from one individual to another. Although previous research has explored contagion of psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety, the spread of obsessions in the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has yet to be examined. This thesis aimed to delineate a potential "obsession contagion" by determining the (1) prevalence and characteristics, (2) potential predictors, and (3) prominent emotional experience in individuals with self-reported OCD. Online survey data was analyzed from 125 adults living in Canada or the United States. The vast majority (85%) reported experiencing obsession contagion in their lifetime, significantly more in-person than online, with an average frequency of twice per month. Regression analyses revealed that susceptibility to obsession contagion was significantly associated with higher participant age, elevated emotional contagion, and lower empathy, with these three variables accounting for approximately half of the variance in obsession contagion total scores. While somatic and aggressive obsessions were particularly "contagious", fear and guilt emerged as the most endorsed emotions in self-reported obsession contagion examples. Clinical implications are discussed, including important considerations for advocacy, assessment, and treatment, as well as the need for future qualitative investigation.