The mediating role of ego strength in the relationship between perfectionism dimensions and relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms

Relationship obsessive–compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) centering on close interpersonal relationships. ROCD is characterized by obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on one's relationship and relationship partner's qualities and properties. Despite the growing attention to ROCD, not much research has been done on the underlying, cognitive, and personality factors of the symptoms.

The study aimed to investigate the mediating role of ego strength in the relationship between perfectionism dimensions and ROCD symptoms.

The research method was correlational, structural equations modeling type. 430 participants (324 women, 106 men) were selected by convenience sampling method from students of the University of Tehran in the academic year 2022-2023. Selected individuals completed the Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (ROCI; Doron et al., 2012), Ego Strength Scale (ESS; Besharat, 2017), and Tehran Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (TMPS; Besharat, 2007). Research data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis using SPSS28 and AMOS28 software.

The hypothesized mediation model provided fit to the data, CFI= 1, TLI= 1, RMSEA = 0.001. The correlation between perfectionism dimensions and ROCD symptoms were significantly positive (p<0.01), and between ego strength and ROCD symptoms were significantly negative (p<0.01).

The study findings suggest that ego strength mediated the association between perfectionism dimensions and ROCD symptoms. According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that perfectionism dimensions in ego strength can predict the severity of ROCD symptoms. Considering these variables may be important in the processes of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ROCD symptoms.