Feared possible selves in cognitive-behavioral theory: An analysis of its historical and empirical context, and introduction of a working model

Publication date: Available online 13 September 2019Source: Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related DisordersAuthor(s): Frederick Aardema, Shiu F. WongAbstractCognitive-behavioral models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have largely ignored conceptualizing vulnerable self-themes as a core feature, despite numerous historical accounts and empirical work hinting at its importance. The current special issue of the Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders aims to highlight the role of one such self-construct in OCD, namely the feared possible self — which describes a set of qualities that the person fears or worries being part of oneself, currently or in the future. To this end, this editorial first situates the feared self in a historical context as well as in recent literature, and we have provided a working model of OCD to guide future investigations on this topic. Contributing authors in this special issue were then asked to describe their empirical findings on the association between a fear of self and OCD, gathered from research conducted using a variety of methodological approaches. Through this unique format, we hope to provide a strong foundation that inspires further research around feared self-perceptions and its elaboration in theory, which may advance our understanding, treatment, and even prevention of OCD and related disorders.
Source: Journal of Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research