Obsessive Compulsive Disorder And Support Groups

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study used several methodologies in order to discover why individuals with OCD choose to participate or not participate in a face-to-face and/or online support group. The primary researcher conducted a focus group, in-depth individual interviews, and open-ended online questionnaires. Three types of participants were recruited for this research: individuals with OCD who were currently in a face-to-face support group, individuals with OCD who were not currently in a support group, and individuals who were part of an online OCD support group. The two theoretical perspectives informed the research: the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)/Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Discussions with participants' revealed people with OCD participated in support groups in order to communicate with others who could understand what they were going through, learn information that could help them with their condition, and receive and provide support and encouragement. Reasons people with OCD did not participate in support groups included: a lack of awareness of support groups, social anxiety and fear about participating, and previous unsatisfactory experiences with past participation. The study also found that people with OCD feel stigmatized and tend to hide their condition from others. The study also contains additional information about participants experience with OCD and their outlook on support groups.