Kevin D. Wu’s research while affiliated with Northern Illinois University and other places

The issue of race within the context of psychological assessment is important, but often overlooked. Many self-report measures of psychopathology have been developed and validated using primarily White samples. Research regarding the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and race has produced mixed results, which in turn may present challenges when comparing scores across racial groups. The current article sought to investigate the measurement invariance of the PSWQ and PSWQ-A (an abbreviated version) across four racial groups (White, Black, Asian, and Hispanic) in a sample of 2,489 undergraduate students. Confirmatory factor analysis of a one-factor structure illustrated poor fit across all racial groups for the full-length PSWQ. Two-factor and one-factor with method effects models of the full-length PSWQ each improved on the previous model fit, although the one-factor method effects model was limited by nonsalient factor loadings. Additionally, a separate confirmatory factor analysis indicated good fit for the PSWQ-A. Further analysis of the PSWQ-A suggested measurement invariance across all racial groups, as well as configural, metric, and scalar invariance. These findings advance the literature on the relationship between worry and race, suggesting that direct comparisons on the PSWQ-A between racial groups is appropriate.

The Sentence Task (Rachman et al., 1996) has respondents write “I hope ___ is in a car accident,” filling the blank with a loved one. Used in many laboratory-based studies of Thought-Action Fusion (TAF), it is unclear whether the induced distress is TAF-specific. Four studies (total N = 405 undergraduates) examined the extent to which Task-induced anxiety is empirically correlated with conceptually relevant self-report measures. We also explored using the Task in an online format; two studies were in-person, two were online. First, completion of the Task resulted in significant (ps < .001) increase in anxiety in all four studies (ds ranged from 0.52 to 0.86). However, in three of the four studies, there was no significant correlation (ps > .05) between the magnitude of pre-to post-Task anxiety change and baseline measures (Thought-Action Fusion Scale, Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale). This suggests that the Task-induced anxiety may not be specific to TAF. Second, there were no significant mean-level differences for any variables whether assessed in-person vs. online. However, Task refusal was significantly higher for online (21.2%, 24.1%) vs. in-person (5.4%, 6.0%) administrations. Findings contribute to a better understanding of the Task and offer mixed support for use in an online format.

Research has established that individuals who belong to different religious affiliations may differ on levels of thought-action fusion (TAF), a cognitive bias heavily implicated in obsessive-compulsive symptoms. However, research has relied on correlational methods and comparisons primarily have been between broad religious groups and not targeted aspects of religious beliefs or teachings. In our study, 99 Protestant undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of two priming conditions: reading and writing about a forgiving or a punishing God. Participants then completed a behavioral TAF task that induces an obsession-like thought, after which in vivo responses were measured. Comparisons between the forgiving God (FG) and punishing God (PG) conditions revealed that those in the PG condition were higher on in vivo anxiety and urge to neutralize. However, there were no differences on in vivo moral wrongness ratings or on neutralizing behavior. Findings provided mixed support for the salience of a punishing God concept as an influence on elevated TAF in Protestant individuals. The study was limited by a sample with a strong baseline view of God as forgiving, which likely limited the effectiveness of the God concept prime. Other limitations and observations are addressed to inform the methodology of future research.

A 44-item version of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ-44) put forward by the Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group remains the most widely used version of the OBQ, despite research casting doubt on its factorial validity and the existence of a short form (i.e., OBQ-20). In a large sample of undergraduate students (n = 1,210), a bifactor model of the OBQ-20, consisting of a general factor and four specific factors (threat, responsibility, importance/control of thoughts, perfectionism/certainty), was supported as the best-fitting model. None of the examined OBQ-44 models provided adequate fit. The bifactor model of the OBQ-20 was retained in two independent samples (n = 1,342 community adults, n = 319 undergraduate students). The incremental validity of the specific factors of the OBQ-20 beyond the general factor was evidenced across multiple criterion indices, including obsessive–compulsive symptom measures and reactions to a thought-induction task. Results further support use of the OBQ-20.

Experiential Avoidance (EA) is an unwillingness to experience or remain in contact with unpleasant emotions, thoughts, bodily sensations, or other private experiences (Hayes, Wilson, Gifford, Follette, & Strosahl, 1996). Previous research has found a relationship between EA and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD; Twohig, Hayes, & Masuda, 2006a). The current study examined relations among multiple EA facets, contamination concerns, and anxiety, disgust, and engagement during a contamination-relevant behavioral approach task (BAT). Of particular interest was whether any specific EA facets would emerge as predictive of task engagement after controlling for baseline contamination concerns. Results were that Distraction/Suppression, Repression/Denial, and Procrastination significantly predicted task engagement. Although Behavioral Avoidance was correlated with anxiety, disgust, and engagement at the zero-order level, it did not predict task engagement after controlling for baseline contamination concerns. These distinct correlates highlight the importance of measuring EA at the facet level rather than as a unitary construct. Specific EA facets may interfere with engagement in BATs—and by extension, exposure-based treatment efforts—to a greater extent than others. Augmentations aimed at decreasing the use of distraction and suppression may improve treatment response in the context of exposure-based treatment for OCD.

Traditional models of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) suggest that neutralizing behaviors are motivated by harm avoidance. However, some individuals with OCD report an experience of discomfort, rather than anxiety per se, as motivating their behavior. Incompleteness has been proposed as another potential motivator of compulsive behaviors. We examined the relative strength of harm avoidance and incompleteness in predicting OCD symptom dimensions in a nonclinical sample (n = 238). We also examined the relationship between incompleteness and symptoms of two conditions with phenotypic similarity to OCD—Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Each involves patterns of repetitive, rigid behavior. Hierarchical regressions returned that incompleteness significantly predicted OCD and OCPD symptoms after controlling for harm avoidance; in some cases, the magnitude of association was stronger for incompleteness than for harm avoidance. We suggest that a better understanding of incompleteness may help to advance conceptualization of OCD and other symptoms.

The Faceted Inventory of the Five-Factor Model (FI-FFM) is a comprehensive hierarchical measure of personality. The FI-FFM was created across five phases of scale development. It includes five facets apiece for neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness; four facets within agreeableness; and three facets for openness. We present reliability and validity data obtained from three samples. The FI-FFM scales are internally consistent and highly stable over 2 weeks (retest rs ranged from .64 to .82, median r = .77). They show strong convergent and discriminant validity vis-à-vis the NEO, the Big Five Inventory, and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5. Moreover, self-ratings on the scales show moderate to strong agreement with corresponding ratings made by informants (rs ranged from .26 to .66, median r = .42). Finally, in joint analyses with the NEO Personality Inventory–3, the FI-FFM neuroticism facet scales display significant incremental validity in predicting indicators of internalizing psychopathology.

This report details the course of psychotherapy methods and outcomes for a 57-year-old White man who sought services for hoarding disorder (HD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over 14 months, he completed 54 treatment sessions that spanned two distinct treatment approaches. Given his presentation and the conceptualized relations among his symptoms, therapy was sequenced to address PTSD symptoms prior to undergoing cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) for HD. The implications of this decision were key to his treatment progress and outcome, and they are reviewed in detail. Together, treatment consisted of psycho-education, cognitive restructuring, and a combination of in-clinic and home-based exposures. Results were positive, with the client experiencing a decrease in self-reported HD and PTSD symptoms, reduction in home clutter and decreased distress related to discarding, and increased feelings of self-efficacy. In light of limited data addressing treatment for individuals with HD who have a salient trauma history, the major aim of this report is to detail how each step of the client’s treatment was approached, what factors and data were considered for reaching specific decision points, and how the sequencing of treatment is believed to have contributed to the positive outcome achieved.

Mindfulness-based interventions have many applications, including as a productive alternative to repetitive thoughts. Rumination includes two factors: brooding (moody, maladaptive thinking) and reflection (adaptive attempt to overcome problems). Literature suggests mindfulness interventions reduce ruminative thoughts, but technique effectiveness requires examination. Our study assessed whether mindfulness techniques differ with respect to distress reduction in the context of brooding versus reflective styles. Students (N = 228) completed questionnaires, negative mood manipulation, and a one-session mindfulness training that required either focused attention or open monitoring. Induced distress was reduced in both conditions, but brooding moderated the relationship between condition and distress reduction. Reflection was not a moderator. The findings support the idea that even a modest dose of mindfulness exercise aids in reducing induced negative emotions. Focused mindfulness may be more beneficial for reducing distress in individuals who report high levels of brooding, whereas either technique may reduce distress in individuals who reflect.