Obsessing about intimate-relationships: testing the double relationship-vulnerability hypothesis

Abstract

Background and objectives: Obsessive preoccupation and doubts centering on one's intimate relationship may have a negative impact on the romantic dyad and lead to significant distress. In this research we investigated whether the co-occurrence of attachment anxiety and overreliance on intimate relationships for self-worth-what we call double relationship-vulnerability-is linked with relationship-centered obsessions and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Methods: Study 1 employed a correlational design to examine the link between double relationship-vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 employed an experimental design to assess response to subtle threats to the relationship self-domain among individuals with double relationship-vulnerability.

Results: Study 1 supported the link between double relationship-vulnerability and relationship-centered obsessions. Study 2 showed that when confronted with subtle threats to the relationship self-domain, individuals with double relationship-vulnerability are more likely to experience distress and engage in mitigating behavior in response to relationship doubts and fears.

Limitations: Our studies were conducted with non-clinical samples.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that double relationship-vulnerability may make individuals more susceptible to the development and maintenance of relationship-centered obsessions and compulsions.

Keywords: Cognition; Cognitive theory; Obsessive compulsive disorder; Relationship-centered obsessions; Relationships.