“I just can't trust my partner”: Evaluating associations between untrustworthiness obsessions, relationship obsessions and couples violence

Relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a dimension of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) focusing on close and intimate relationships. ROCD may focus on the relationship itself (i.e., relationship-centered) or on the perceived flaws of the relationship partner (i.e., partner-focused). Partner-focused obsessions have been shown to center on domains such as intelligence, appearance, sociality, emotional regulation, competence and morality. However, clinical experience suggests partner-focused obsessions may center on an additional domain – the romantic partner's unreliability/trustworthiness. The present investigation reports on the development and evaluation of the Obsessive Distrust Inventory (ODIS), an 8-item scale that assesses the severity of ROCD symptoms centering on the perceived un/reliability of one's romantic partner. Factor analysis supports a one internally consistent factor. The ODIS also showed the expected associations with OCD, ROCD and obsessive jealousy symptoms, as well as other mental health and relationship measures. Moreover, ODIS scores significantly predicted depression, anxiety and relationship violence, over-and-above common mental health and relationship measures. Obsessive distrust may be an important theme of partner-focused ROCD symptoms that requires identification and specialized treatment.