Applying the Five-Factor Model of Personality to the Exploration of the Construct of Risk-Taking in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

Although there has been a long interest in the personality traits associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), few studies have examined differences on normal, dimensional personality traits for individuals with OCD compared with other clinical disorders. The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend upon the work of Rector et al. (2002) who found unique associations between OCD and trait domains and facets of the five-factor model of personality (FFM) when compared with a clinical sample of depressed individuals. The current study compared individuals with a current diagnosis of OCD (n=21) with individuals with a current diagnosis of anxiety or depression but no OCD symptoms (n=39) on the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R Form S). Of particular interest was whether individuals with OCD would differ from other clinically anxious/depressed individuals on the actions facet of the FFM, as this facet is known to be related to harm and risk avoidance, and previous research suggests specific relationships between these forms of avoidance and OCD. Individuals with OCD were found to have lower scores on the actions, competence and self-discipline facets. These results add further support to previous research that suggests unique associations between trait domains and facets of the FFM and OCD.