The Relationship between Perfectionism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Self-Regulation Processes as Moderator

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can negatively impact human functions and bother the close people around the patients. Perfectionism is among the factors associated with OCD. Investigating this relationship and other concepts such as selfregulation processes influencing this relationship can help us find better approaches to treat OCD. This study aimed to determine the moderating role of selfregulation processes in the relationship between perfectionism and OCD in 2019. Methods: In this correlational study conducted in Shiraz, Iran, we selected 535 10to18yearold students with an average and SD of 14.15 and 2.75 by multistage sampling method. We selected 30 schools and three classes in each of them. Afterwards, six students in each class willingly filled the questionnaires. In order to gather the data, we made use of Tehran Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Padua inventory for obsessivecompulsive disorder, integrative selfknowledge questionnaire, selfcontrol scale, and selfcompassion scale as research instruments. Data were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analysis. Results: Perfectionism was an important predictor of OCD (B=0.38, Beta=0.08, S.E=0.39, P=0.001), selfcontrol was a major predictor of OCD (B=0.18, Beta=0.08, S.E=0.19, P=0.04), and the interaction between perfectionism and integrative selfknowledge was a significant predictor of OCD (B=0.24, Beta=0.09, S.E=0.24, P=0.03). Conclusions: Perfectionism and selfcontrol are predictors of OCD, hence important mental concepts. Furthermore, integrative selfknowledge plays a moderating role in the relationship between perfectionism and OCD.