Abstract
Recent evidence suggests a potentially important relationship between guilt and compulsive washing. The present studies sought
to clarify this relationship. In Study 1, we examined whether washing reduced guilt. Following guilt induction, 132 non-clinical
participants were randomized to one of three conditions: hand-wiping, straightening of clutter, or a control task. Contrary
to predictions, analyses indicated no differences between conditions in post-task guilt. Moderator analyses indicated that
among those in the straightening task, higher ordering symptoms were associated with greater increases in guilt. Study 2 examined
whether guilt increased washing behavior. Sixty-one non-clinical participants were randomized to either a guilt induction
or neutral condition. Afterwards, participants were timed as they cleansed their hands. Individuals in the guilt induction
condition washed significantly longer than those in the neutral condition. These findings suggest that hand-washing does not
lead to unique reductions in guilt, but guilt may prolong hand-washing behavior. Theoretical and clinical implications are
discussed.
to clarify this relationship. In Study 1, we examined whether washing reduced guilt. Following guilt induction, 132 non-clinical
participants were randomized to one of three conditions: hand-wiping, straightening of clutter, or a control task. Contrary
to predictions, analyses indicated no differences between conditions in post-task guilt. Moderator analyses indicated that
among those in the straightening task, higher ordering symptoms were associated with greater increases in guilt. Study 2 examined
whether guilt increased washing behavior. Sixty-one non-clinical participants were randomized to either a guilt induction
or neutral condition. Afterwards, participants were timed as they cleansed their hands. Individuals in the guilt induction
condition washed significantly longer than those in the neutral condition. These findings suggest that hand-washing does not
lead to unique reductions in guilt, but guilt may prolong hand-washing behavior. Theoretical and clinical implications are
discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10608-011-9359-x
- Authors
- Jesse R. Cougle, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Amy R. Goetz, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Kirsten A. Hawkins, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Kristin E. Fitch, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
- Journal Cognitive Therapy and Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2819
- Print ISSN 0147-5916