Close relationships by Ohad Szepsenwol
Social Psychological and Personality Science, 2015
The attachment and sexual systems operate jointly across partners to affect relationship outcomes... more The attachment and sexual systems operate jointly across partners to affect relationship outcomes. In the present longitudinal investigation of newly dating couples, we tested a dual deactivation hypothesis of relationship dissatisfaction. According to this hypothesis, individuals whose sexual system is chronically deactivated are expected to experience low relationship satisfaction early in their relationships. Their satisfaction should increase with time, but only if their partners are low in attachment avoidance. Newly dating couples (2–4 months; N = 62) completed three waves of individual measures of attachment and sexual deactivation and relationship satisfaction in 4-month intervals. Dyadic growth curves showed that sexual deactivation was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction in the beginning of the relationship. This negative effect gradually disappeared among individuals whose partners were low in attachment avoidance, but persisted among individuals with avoidantly attached partners. These findings suggest that attachment processes can compensate for sexual difficulties.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2014
In the research program summarized here, we adopted a behavioral systems approach to explain indi... more In the research program summarized here, we adopted a behavioral systems approach to explain individual differences in human sexual behavior. In the 1st stage, we developed the Sexual System Functioning Scale (SSFS)—a self-report instrument for assessing hyperactivation and deactivation of the sexual system. Sexual hyperactivation involves intense but anxious expressions of sexual desire, whereas sexual deactivation includes inhibition of sexual inclinations. In subsequent stages, we administered the SFSS to 18 samples to determine its structural, convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity as well as its nomological network. We found that SSFS deactivation and hyperactivation scores are meaningfully associated with existing measures of sexual attitudes, motives, feelings, and behaviors and with measures of personal and interpersonal well-being. Moreover, the scores predict cognitive, affective, physiological, and behavioral responses to sexual stimuli. Implications of our findings for understanding the potential of sex for both joy and distress are discussed.
Journal of Research in Personality, Jan 10, 2013
We examined the contribution of variations in sexual-system functioning, namely, sexual hyperacti... more We examined the contribution of variations in sexual-system functioning, namely, sexual hyperactivation (heightened sex-related desire and worries) and sexual deactivation (suppression of sexual behavior and thoughts), to mating preferences. Participants (N = 78) completed a questionnaire assessing sexual hyperactivation and deactivation and rated their interest in videotaped potential romantic partners in two mating conditions (long-term, short-term). Sexual hyperactivation was associated with increased short-term mating interest and a greater reliance on gender-typical mating preferences (e.g., lower short-term standards among men). Sexual deactivation was associated with gender-atypical mating preferences among men (e.g., short-term preference for high-status women). These findings highlight the role of individual differences in sexual system functioning in shaping mating preferences.
ROCD by Ohad Szepsenwol
Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms are characterized by obsessive doubts ... more Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms are characterized by obsessive doubts and preoccupation centered on the relationship (i.e., relationship-centered) or the relationship partner (i.e. partner-focused). Such obsessions often lead to significant distress and are associated with compulsive behaviors (e.g., compulsive checking and reassurance seeking) aimed at mitigating this distress. The current study examined the reciprocal relationship between partner-focused and relationship-centered obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms over time. Participants (N = 141) completed measures of partner-focused and relationship-centered OC symptoms at two time points one year apart. Partner-focused symptoms were associated with a relative increase in relationship-centered symptoms one year later. Relationship-centered symptoms were associated with the persistence of partner-focused symptoms one year later, but only among individuals in long-lasting relationships. The potentially detrimental effects of ROCD symptoms within romantic relationships are discussed.
Background: Obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on one's romantic ... more Background: Obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on one's romantic relationship and partner are receiving increasing clinical, theoretical, and empirical attention. Commonly referred to as relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder (ROCD), such symptoms have been linked with decreased relational and sexual functioning and lower mood, even after controlling for other obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. To date, however, these symptoms have been studied in community samples alone. In the present study, we compared levels of interference, OCD, and mood symptoms between clinical participants with ROCD, OCD, and community controls. We also examined group differences in maladaptive beliefs previously linked with OCD and ROCD. Method: Participants included 22 ROCD clients, 22 OCD clients, and 28 community controls. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to attain clinical diagnoses of OCD and ROCD. The Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale was used to evaluate primary-symptoms severity. All participants completed measures of symptoms and dysfunctional beliefs. results: ROCD clients reported more severe ROCD symptoms than the OCD and control groups. ROCD and OCD clients did not differ in severity of their primary-symptoms. ROCD clients scored higher than the other groups on maladaptive OCD-related and relationship-related beliefs. Finally, ROCD clients showed more severe depression symptoms than community controls. conclusion: ROCD is a disabling presentation of OCD that warrants research attention. Maladaptive OCD-related and relationship-related beliefs may be implicated in the development and maintenance of ROCD.
Psicoterapia Cognitiva e Comportamentale, 2012
Background: Relationship-related obsessive-compulsive phenomena (ROCD) are encountered frequently... more Background: Relationship-related obsessive-compulsive phenomena (ROCD) are encountered frequently in the clinic, and involve severe consequences to personal and relational well-being. One common presentation of ROCD involves disabling preoccupation and doubts focusing on intimate partner's flaws (partner-focused obsessions). It was previously suggested that individuals perceiving their partner's failures or flaws as reflecting on their own self-worth may be more sensitive to intrusive thoughts pertaining to their partner's qualities and characteristics. In the current studies, we assessed the link between partner-focused OC symptoms and self-esteem contingent on partner-value. Methods: In two studies we assessed the impact of experimentally induced partner-focused intrusions on self-esteem. In Study 1, we assessed individuals' self-esteem after one of three primes: (a) intrusion about one’s partner comparing unfavorably with others of the same sex (i.e., alternative partners), (b) intrusion about one’s partner comparing unfavorably to oneself, (c) and a neutral prime. In study 2, we tried to replicate Study 1 and also examine whether favorable intrusions of one’s partner
would have an opposite effect on self-esteem than unfavorable intrusions. Results: Compared with the other groups, participants who were primed with intrusions of their partner being unfavorably compared to others reported lower self esteem, but only if they had high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Favorable intrusions of partner to others
did not have a positive effect on self-esteem among individuals with high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Conclusions: Partner-value self-sensitivity may be one of the perpetuating mechanisms involved in partner-focused OC phenomena.
Journal of Obsessive- …, Jan 1, 2012
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling anxiety disorder with a wide range of clinical... more Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling anxiety disorder with a wide range of clinical presentations. Previous research has examined a variety of obsessional themes within OCD including contamination fears, sexual or aggressive obsessions and scrupulosity. Absent from current literature of OCD, however, is an investigation of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms centering on intimate relationships. The present investigation reports on the development and evaluation of the Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (ROCI), a 12-item measure assessing the severity of OC symptoms centering on three relationship dimensions: the individual’s feelings towards his or her partner, the partner’s feelings towards the individual, and the ‘‘rightness’’ of the relationship experience. Factor analysis supports a 3-factor structure of the ROCI above two alternative measurement models (Study 1). The ROCI was found to be internally consistent and showed the expected associations with OCD related symptoms and cognitions, mood and relationship variables (Study 2). Moreover, the ROCI significantly predicted depression and relationship related distress, over-and-above common OCD symptoms, and other mental health and relationship insecurity measures. Relationship-centered OC symptoms may be an important theme for further OCD research.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
Background: Relationship-related obsessive-compulsive phenomena (ROCD) are encountered frequently... more Background: Relationship-related obsessive-compulsive phenomena (ROCD) are encountered frequently in the clinic, and involve severe consequences to personal and relational well-being. One common presentation of ROCD involves disabling preoccupation and doubts focusing on intimate partner's flaws (partner-focused obsessions). It was previously suggested that individuals perceiving their partner's failures or flaws as reflecting on their own self-worth may be more sensitive to intrusive thoughts pertaining to their partner's qualities and characteristics. In the current studies, we assessed the link between partner-focused OC symptoms and self-esteem contingent on partner-value. Methods: In two studies we assessed the impact of experimentally induced partner-focused intrusions on self-esteem. In Study 1, we assessed individuals' self-esteem after one of three primes: (a) intrusion about one’s partner comparing unfavorably with others of the same sex (i.e., alternative partners), (b) intrusion about one’s partner comparing unfavorably to oneself, (c) and a neutral prime. In study 2, we tried to replicate Study 1 and also examine whether favorable intrusions of one’s partner would have an opposite effect on self-esteem than unfavorable intrusions. Results: Compared with the other groups, participants who were primed with intrusions of their partner being unfavorably compared to others reported lower self-esteem, but only if they had high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Favorable intrusions of partner to others did not have a positive effect on self-esteem among individuals with high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Conclusions: Partner-value self-sensitivity may be one of the perpetuating mechanisms involved in partner-focused OC phenomena.
Journal of Sexual Medicine, Jan 1, 2014
Introduction. Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is marked by the presence of obse... more Introduction. Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is marked by the presence of obsessions and compulsions focusing on romantic relationships. ROCD
symptoms were previously linked with decreased relationship quality and might interfere with sexual functioning.
Aim. To examine the association between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction.
Methods. Participants completed an online survey assessing ROCD symptoms, relationship and sexual satisfaction levels. Depression, general worry, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and attachment orientation were also
measured.
Results. ROCD symptoms were associated with decreased sexual satisfaction over and above symptoms of depression, general worry, OCD and attachment orientation. The link between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction was mediated by relationship satisfaction.
Conclusions. Identifying and addressing ROCD symptoms may be important for treatment of sexual functioning.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling and prevalent disorder with a variety of clini... more Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling and prevalent disorder with a variety of clinical presentations and obsessional themes. Recently, research has begun to investigate relationship-related obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms including relationship-centered and partner-focused OC symptoms. In this paper, we present relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD), delineate its main features, and describe its phenomenology. Drawing on recent cognitive-behavioral models of OCD, social psychology and attachment research, we present a model of the development and maintenance of ROCD. The role of personality factors, societal influences, parenting, and family environments in the etiology and preservation of ROCD symptoms is also evaluated. Finally, the conceptual and empirical links between ROCD symptoms and related constructs are explored and theoretically driven assessment and intervention procedures are suggested.
and sharing with colleagues.
… of Obsessive-Compulsive …, Jan 1, 2012
and sharing with colleagues.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 2013
Background and Objectives: Obsessive preoccupation and doubts centering on one’s intimate relatio... more Background and Objectives: Obsessive preoccupation and doubts centering on one’s intimate relationship may have a negative impact on the romantic dyad and lead to significant distress. In this research we investigated whether the co-occurrence of attachment anxiety and overreliance on intimate relationships
for self-worthd what we call double relationship-vulnerabilityd is linked with relationship-centered obsessions and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Methods: Study 1 employed a correlational design to examine the link between double relationship vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 employed an experimental design to assess response to subtle threats to the relationship self-domain among individuals with double relationship-vulnerability. Results: Study 1 supported the link between double relationship-vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 showed that when confronted with subtle threats to the relationship self-domain, individuals with double relationship-vulnerability are more likely to experience distress and engage in mitigating behavior in response to relationship doubts and fears. Limitations: Our studies were conducted with non-clinical samples. Conclusions: These findings suggest that double relationship-vulnerability may make individuals more susceptible to the development and maintenance of relationship-centered obsessions and compulsions.
Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2013.12.005, Aug 1, 2014
Obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD) is a disabling and prevalent disorder with a variety of clinic... more Obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD) is a disabling and prevalent disorder with a variety of clinical presentations and obsessional themes. Recently, research has begun to investigate relationship-related obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms including relationship-centered and partner-focused OC symptoms. In this paper, we present relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder(ROCD), delineate its main features, and describe its phenomenology. Drawing on recent cognitive-behavioral models of OCD, social psychology and attachment research, we present a model of the development and maintenance of ROCD. The role of personality factors, societal influences, parenting, and family environments in the etiology and preservation of ROCD symptoms is also evaluated. Finally, the conceptual and empirical links between ROCD symptoms and related constructs are explored and theoretically driven assessment and intervention procedures are suggested.
Other by Ohad Szepsenwol
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 2012
Self-criticism plays a key role in many psychological disorders and predicts poor outcome in psyc... more Self-criticism plays a key role in many psychological disorders and predicts poor outcome in psychotherapy. Yet, psychotherapy research directly targeting self-critical processes is limited. In this pilot study, we examined the efficacy of an emotion-focused intervention, the two-chair dialogue task, on self-criticism, self-compassion and the ability to self-reassure in times of stress, as well as on depressive and anxiety symptoms among nine self-critical clients. Results showed that the intervention was associated with significant increases in self-compassion and self-reassuring, and significant reductions in self-criticism, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. Effect sizes were medium to large, with most clients exhibiting low and non-clinical levels of symptomatology at the end of therapy, and maintaining gains over a 6-month follow-up period. Although preliminary, these finding suggest that emotion-focused chair work might be a promising intervention addressing self-criticism.
Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2009
The empathic abilities have never been examined in bipolar disorder patients, despite frequent ob... more The empathic abilities have never been examined in bipolar disorder patients, despite frequent observations of impaired social behavior. To examine the neuropsychological processes that underlie the affective and cognitive empathic ability in bipolar disorder, the authors compared affective and cognitive empathic abilities, as well as theory of mind and executive functions, of euthymic bipolar disorder patients and healthy comparison subjects. Significant deficits in cognitive empathy and theory of mind were observed, while affective empathy was elevated in bipolar disorder. Patients showed impaired cognitive flexibility (shifting and reversal learning) but intact planning behavior. Impaired cognitive empathy was related with performance in neurocognitive tasks of cognitive flexibility, suggesting that prefrontal cortical dysfunction may account for impaired cognitive empathy in bipolar disorder.
Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 2013
Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 2014
Previous research has shown a robust link between emotional abuse and neglect with social anxiety... more Previous research has shown a robust link between emotional abuse and neglect with social anxiety symptoms. However, the mechanisms through which these links operate are less clear. We hypothesized a model in which early experiences of abuse and neglect create aversive shame states, internalized into a stable shame-based cognitive-affective schema. Self-criticism is conceptualized as a safety strategy designed to conceal flaws and prevent further experiences of shame. However, self-criticism maintains negative self-perceptions and insecurity in social situations. To provide preliminary, crosssectional support for this model, a nonclinical community sample of 219 adults from Israel (110 females, mean age = 38.7) completed measures of childhood trauma, shame-proneness, self-criticism and social anxiety symptoms. A sequential mediational model showed that emotional abuse, but not emotional neglect, predicted shame-proneness, which in turn predicted self-criticism, which in turn predicted social anxiety symptoms. These results provide initial evidence supporting the role of shame and selfcriticism in the development and maintenance of social anxiety disorder. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed Key Practitioner Message:
Uploads
Close relationships by Ohad Szepsenwol
ROCD by Ohad Szepsenwol
would have an opposite effect on self-esteem than unfavorable intrusions. Results: Compared with the other groups, participants who were primed with intrusions of their partner being unfavorably compared to others reported lower self esteem, but only if they had high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Favorable intrusions of partner to others
did not have a positive effect on self-esteem among individuals with high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Conclusions: Partner-value self-sensitivity may be one of the perpetuating mechanisms involved in partner-focused OC phenomena.
symptoms were previously linked with decreased relationship quality and might interfere with sexual functioning.
Aim. To examine the association between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction.
Methods. Participants completed an online survey assessing ROCD symptoms, relationship and sexual satisfaction levels. Depression, general worry, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and attachment orientation were also
measured.
Results. ROCD symptoms were associated with decreased sexual satisfaction over and above symptoms of depression, general worry, OCD and attachment orientation. The link between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction was mediated by relationship satisfaction.
Conclusions. Identifying and addressing ROCD symptoms may be important for treatment of sexual functioning.
for self-worthd what we call double relationship-vulnerabilityd is linked with relationship-centered obsessions and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Methods: Study 1 employed a correlational design to examine the link between double relationship vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 employed an experimental design to assess response to subtle threats to the relationship self-domain among individuals with double relationship-vulnerability. Results: Study 1 supported the link between double relationship-vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 showed that when confronted with subtle threats to the relationship self-domain, individuals with double relationship-vulnerability are more likely to experience distress and engage in mitigating behavior in response to relationship doubts and fears. Limitations: Our studies were conducted with non-clinical samples. Conclusions: These findings suggest that double relationship-vulnerability may make individuals more susceptible to the development and maintenance of relationship-centered obsessions and compulsions.
Other by Ohad Szepsenwol
would have an opposite effect on self-esteem than unfavorable intrusions. Results: Compared with the other groups, participants who were primed with intrusions of their partner being unfavorably compared to others reported lower self esteem, but only if they had high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Favorable intrusions of partner to others
did not have a positive effect on self-esteem among individuals with high levels of partner-focused symptoms. Conclusions: Partner-value self-sensitivity may be one of the perpetuating mechanisms involved in partner-focused OC phenomena.
symptoms were previously linked with decreased relationship quality and might interfere with sexual functioning.
Aim. To examine the association between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction.
Methods. Participants completed an online survey assessing ROCD symptoms, relationship and sexual satisfaction levels. Depression, general worry, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms and attachment orientation were also
measured.
Results. ROCD symptoms were associated with decreased sexual satisfaction over and above symptoms of depression, general worry, OCD and attachment orientation. The link between ROCD symptoms and sexual satisfaction was mediated by relationship satisfaction.
Conclusions. Identifying and addressing ROCD symptoms may be important for treatment of sexual functioning.
for self-worthd what we call double relationship-vulnerabilityd is linked with relationship-centered obsessions and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Methods: Study 1 employed a correlational design to examine the link between double relationship vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 employed an experimental design to assess response to subtle threats to the relationship self-domain among individuals with double relationship-vulnerability. Results: Study 1 supported the link between double relationship-vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 showed that when confronted with subtle threats to the relationship self-domain, individuals with double relationship-vulnerability are more likely to experience distress and engage in mitigating behavior in response to relationship doubts and fears. Limitations: Our studies were conducted with non-clinical samples. Conclusions: These findings suggest that double relationship-vulnerability may make individuals more susceptible to the development and maintenance of relationship-centered obsessions and compulsions.