Graduation Year

2011

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Granting Department

Psychology

Major Professor

Eric Storch, Ph.D.

Co-Major Professor

Vicky Phares, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jason Beckstead, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Marc Karver, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kevin Thompson, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Joseph Vandello, Ph.D.

Keywords

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Children, Treatment, Assessment, Family Accommodation

Abstract

Family accommodation of symptoms conflicts with the primary goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and can be an obstacle to positive outcomes. This study examined a structural equation model of parent and child variables related to family accommodation using a sample of 65 parent-child dyads recruited from a university-based clinic. Additionally, parents' motivations for engaging in accommodation were explored. Results generally supported the hypothesized model. Family accommodation mediated the relationship between OCD symptom severity and parent-rated functional impairment, child internalizing problems mediated the relationship between parent anxiety and family accommodation, and parent empathy and consideration of future consequences interacted to predict accommodation. Child externalizing problems significantly influenced family accommodation but neither of these two variables was affected by parent depression. Excessive reassurance seeking and cleaning/washing compulsions were relatively likely to be accommodated. Implications for clinical practice and directions for future research are discussed.

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