Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (R-OCD): The role of relationship duration, fear of guilt, and personality traits

Relationship Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (ROCD) is considered a clinical variant of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in which obsessions may be focused on the relationship itself (relationship-centered ROCD [RC-ROCD]), or on the partner's perceived flaws (partner-focused ROCD [PF-ROCD]). Despite the growing interest in ROCD, not much is known regarding contextual, cognitive, and personality determinants of the symptoms. Using multiple regression analysis, we investigated results of an online survey administered to 164 healthy participants, assessing fear of guilt, RC- and PF-ROCD symptoms, and narcissistic and paranoic personality traits. Results showed the significant effects of fear of guilt and relationship duration on both ROCD subtypes. Narcissism was found to predict PF-ROCD only, and effects of paranoia were found to predict RC-ROCD only, providing possible support for differential diagnoses. We discuss influence mechanisms. Taken together, these results offer a valuable source of knowledge in approaching the assessment of and intervention for ROCD as well as sexual dysfunction. •ROCD obsessions are focused on the romantic partner’s perceived flaws (PF-ROCD) or on the relationship itself (RC-ROCD).•Despite the growing interest on ROCD, no previous study directly investigated the role of fear of guilt which is a cognitive determinant of OCD.•Less is known on personality traits associated with ROCD symptomatology.•The relationship duration and fear of guilt have shown negative and positive effects respectively, on both RC- and PF-ROCD symptoms.•While narcissism was found to predict PF-ROCD, paranoia showed significant effects on RC- ROCD, providing support for differential diagnosis.•Results offer a valuable source of knowledge in approaching the assessment and the intervention of ROCD.