Experiences of betrayal and emotional responses
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A questionnaire study examining the link between experiences of betrayal and emotional responses
IRAS ID
230266
Contact name
Sarah Howkins
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 29 days
Research summary
Mental contamination (MC) is seen in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) where a person experiences a sense of feeling contaminated in the absence of physical contaminants. It can be triggered by thoughts alone. Research suggests a link between the experience of betrayal and MC OCD; people report more instances of being betrayed. So far there has not been any research into whether people with MC OCD report higher levels of having betrayed others. Another element that could contribute to the increased reporting of being betrayed, is that people with MC OCD may ruminate over things more, and the process of thinking lots about past events means that they might be more likely to report betrayal experiences. Using questionnaires, this study will explore if people with MC OCD report more instances of having betrayed others, this project will also aim to replicate the findings of previous studies that people with MC OCD are more likely to report being betrayed. This project will also investigate whether there is a role of rumination in people with MC OCD and their experience of betrayal. MC is a ‘hard to treat’ form of OCD so it is hoped that research could improve treatment outcomes. In this study, 30 participants with MC OCD, 30 with OCD and 30 with depression, and 30 ‘healthy’ controls will be asked to complete a questionnaire, which will take approximately 1hr. Participation will result in £3 donation to OCD-UK. Results from the questionnaires will aim to understand the link between MC OCD and perceived betrayal of others.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0256
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion