Developing a measure of shame in the context of unacceptable obsessions in OCD

Section A

A systematic literature search and meta-analysis was conducted to explore the association
between shame and OCD. 14 relevant studies were identified. The findings indicated a medium
sized positive association between scores on measures of shame and scores on measures of OCD (r
= .295). However, there are significant methodological limitations associated with the studies
included in the meta-analysis, most notably, the use of inappropriate measures to measure the
association between shame and OCD. Research and clinical implications are discussed, including
the need for a measure specific to shame in the context of OCD.

Section B

A three round Delphi study was used to develop a measure of shame in the context of
unacceptable obsessions in OCD. In Round 1 experts on shame in OCD generated items for a
questionnaire. In Round 2 experts rated the extent to which they felt the items generated were
appropriate for the questionnaire. In Round 3 experts were informed how other participants rated
each item and asked to re-rate their answers. 35 items were rated ‘appropriate’ by more than 83.3%
of the participants (this being the criteria for inclusion in the questionnaire that was developed).
Clinical and research implications are discussed.