Emotion regulation difficulties in a non-clinical sample with symmetry, ordering and arranging symptoms

Difficulty in regulating emotions is implicated in the severity and persistence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While emotional regulation has recently been examined relative to certain clinical manifestations of this disorder, its association with symmetry, ordering, and arranging symptoms (SOAS) remains poorly understood. However, the heterogeneity of both OCD and emotional regulation difficulties has hindered the identification of specific associations that may permit the refinement of treatment strategies. The present study examines this issue in a sample of 237 participants who completed online questionnaires of OCD symptoms and difficulties in emotional regulation. Initial analyses demonstrated positive and significant correlations between SOAS and several forms of emotional difficulties when considered individually. However, multivariate analyses demonstrated the preponderant role of impulse control difficulties (β = 0.279, t = 4.363, p < 0.100) in explaining variance in SOAS. When experiencing negative emotions, difficulties in impulse control behaviors appear to play a salient role in the exacerbation of symptoms of symmetry, ordering, and arranging, and merit particular attention in the choice of clinical interventions for these patients.