The Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation Difficulties in the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and OCD Severity in a Non-Referred Sample

Self-compassion involves extending kindness and understanding to one's self. Research has demonstrated inverse relationships between self-compassion and maladaptive constructs associated with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), including emotion regulation (ER) difficulties. The current study sought to explore associations between self-compassion, ER difficulties, and OCD severity. Data were collected at the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation convention from 62 attendees who reported having a diagnosis of OCD (51% male, mean age 35.9 years). Findings demonstrated that self-compassion and ER difficulties were associated with overall OCD severity. Results also indicated that ER difficulties mediated relationships between self-compassion and overall OCD severity, as well as the severity of two OCD symptom dimensions, responsibility for harm and unacceptable thoughts. These findings suggest that self-compassion and ER difficulties may be involved in the maintenance and severity of OCD.