Social support for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder: uniting the theory of conversationally-induced reappraisals and the dual-process theory of supportive communication outcomes

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) report higher levels of anxiety and distress due to the nature of their symptoms in comparison to the general population. While various treatment options exist for this disorder, one additional possibility is that family, friends, and other loved ones can help those afflicted manage their symptoms through supportive communication. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the extent to which specific social support messages could aid in this endeavor. More broadly, this study tested two theories of social support outcomes in an effort to construct an overall picture of the social support process. To test the hypotheses of this investigation people with self-identified OCD were recruited to complete an online questionnaire. Results provided support for one of the theories of social support outcomes. The results indicated the usefulness of emotional support messages that enabled the individual with OCD to express and elaborate on their feelings as this process encouraged the person to reassess the nature of their symptoms. This reassessment or reappraisal process ultimately led to emotional improvement for those with the disorder. The results of this investigation highlight the ability for social network members to help their loved ones cope with their OCD symptoms by identifying the effectiveness of a specific type of emotional support in OCD symptom management. For people who feel helpless in the wake of their loved one’s OCD, this investigation shines light on the ways in which supportive communication can bring those with mental illness out of the darkness.