Associations of Dysfunctional Interpersonal Schemas with Obsessive-Compulsive and Dissociative Symptoms in University Students

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore associations between obsessive-compulsive symptoms, dissociation, and dysfunctional limitedness schemas. Methods: Data were collected from 322 undergraduates. The sample was composed of 159 females (49.38%) and 163 males (50.62%). The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), the Padua Inventory (PI), the Clark-Beck Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (CBOCI), the Limitedness Schemas Questionnaire (LSQ), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered to the subjects. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed after controlling for age, gender, anxiety and depression. Results: Interpersonal limitedness schemas significantly predicted higher scores on dissociation and obsessive-compulsive symptoms after controlling for age, gender, anxiety and depression. Perceived interconnectedness was also associated with obsessive impulses and checking behavior as well. Conclusion: Interpersonal negativistic schemas, as a cognitive vulnerability factor, may be important in the emergence and maintenance of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and dissociation. Results are discussed under the theoretical approaches concerning dissociation and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2010; 47: 9-14)