Author :Anum Ijaz
Supervisor: Rukhsana Kausar, PhD & Humaira Naz
Degree: MS
Year: 2011-2013
University: Centre for Clinical Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The current research was aimed to study quality of life of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder patients in relation to Severity of the symptoms and Cognitive Appraisal. The study explored the predictors of quality of life of patients from variables of Symptom Severity dimensions and Cognitive Appraisal. It was hypothesized that there would be a positive relationship between Symptom Severity and Cognitive Appraisal, positive relationship between Symptom Severity and QOL, a positive relationship between Cognitive Appraisal and QOL of patients having OCD and Symptom severity and Cognitive Appraisal are likely to predict QOL of patients with OCD. Correlational study, within group research design and purposive sampling was used. A sample of 90 patients (M age = 30, SD = 8.9) of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) were taken. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptom Checklist (OCDSC; Jabeen & Kausar, 2008), Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM, Wong & Peacok, 1995; Kausar, 2001), and WHOQOL-BREF (WHOQOL Group, 1998) were used for assessment. Correlation analysis found a significant positive relation between the subscales of Cognitive Appraisal and Symptom Severity of OCD. Also, a significant negative relation was found between physical, psychological, environment related QOL and Symptom Severity of OCD. A significant negative correlation was also found between subscales of Cognitive Appraisal and domains of QOL. Moreover, Hierarchical Regression Analysis revealed Symptom severity and Control by self- appraisal predicted Physical related QOL. Symptom severity and Threat appraisal was significant predictor of Psychological related QOL. Symptom severity and Control by others appraisal were found to be predictors of Environment domain of QOL. It is concluded that Quality of life gets impaired with severity of symptoms and negative cognitive appraisal of the symptoms perceived by the patients with Obsessive, compulsive disorder. Patients feel more incapacitated in maintaining physical and psychological health, interpersonal relationship and interaction with environment. It is implicated form research that emphasis has to be given for modifying cognitive appraisals of obsessions and compulsions in the CBT protocols. In addition, QOL need to be focused in the treatment along with symptomatic treatment.
Keywords: Symptom Severity, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Cognitive Appraisal, Quality of life.
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