302 - THE ASSOCIATION OF PARTNER FOCUSED OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE SYMPTOMS WITH DEPRESSION: MARRIAGE AND CHILD-RELATED FACTORS AS MODERATORS

Session: P_D06S001 - Poster Session 1 - Division 6
AUTHORS:
Parlapan Baş Elif (Izmir Dokuz Eylul University ~ IZMIR ~ Turkey) , Kargi Ayse Bikem (Hacettepe University ~ Ankara ~ Turkey)
Abstract text:
Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) includes obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to romantic relationships. In partner-focused ROCD, individuals fixate on aspects of their partner—such as morality, intelligence, or sociability—and perform compulsions to manage related distress. ROCD can also manifest in parent-child dynamics, where parents develop obsessive concerns about their children's perceived flaws.


This study investigates how marital factors and child-focused OCD symptoms moderate the relationship between partner-focused OCD symptoms and depression in married individuals. The sample included 268 married individuals with children from various cities in Turkey.


Pearson correlation analyses revealed that both partner-focused (r = .48, p < .01) and parent-child-focused OCD symptoms (r = .38, p < .01) were positively correlated with depression. Marital satisfaction (r = -.55, p < .01) and dyadic adjustment (r = -.63, p < .01) showed negative correlations with depression, suggesting protective roles.


Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that partner-focused OCD symptoms significantly predicted depression levels (β = .48, p < .001), and parent-child OCD symptoms added to this effect (β = .20, p < .001). Marital satisfaction (β = -.14, p < .05) and dyadic adjustment (β = -.44, p < .001) were negatively associated with depression. Importantly, the interaction between partner- and child-focused OCD symptoms significantly predicted depression (β = .16, p < .01), indicating that individuals high in both symptoms reported greater depression.


The positive correlation between partner- and child-focused OCD symptoms suggests that obsessive tendencies toward a partner may generalize to the parent-child relationship. Additionally, higher partner-focused symptoms were linked to lower marital satisfaction and adjustment, reinforcing a cycle between obsessive concerns and marital distress. These findings highlight the complex interplay of OCD symptoms within family systems and their significant impact on psychological well-being.