Cognitive restructuring and detached mindfulness: Comparative impact on a compulsive checking task

Abstract

Background and Objectives Repeated checking leads to a shift from perceptual to semantic level of information processing, increasing an individual׳s doubt in their memory. Cognitive restructuring (CR) targeting content of OCD cognitions has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of OCD. Detached mindfulness (DM) is a novel metacognitive intervention that aims to suspend conceptual processing, thereby providing individuals with more objective meta-awareness, helping them to disengage from biased thinking. The present study compared the effects of DM and CR in reducing the doubt-inducing effect of compulsive checking on memory and checking behaviours.

Methods Sixty-five undergraduates were randomly assigned into CR, DM and control groups. Participants completed a repeated checking task found previously to produce OCD-like effects of memory distrust and an increased urge to check. Following this, participants received either a brief CT or brief DM intervention, or an unrelated control task. Participants were provided with an opportunity to check their final responses.

Results Compared to the control group, DM and CR interventions were comparable and significantly more effective in reducing rechecking, while DM had additional benefits in ameliorating effects of reduced memory distrust.

Limitations Results were based on non-clinical participants, and utilised low intensity CR and DM interventions.

Conclusions Results provide initial support for the use of CR and DM in reducing the effect of repeated checking.