PhD Oral Exam - Andrea Sandstrom, Psychology

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

Cognitive theories of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) suggest that dysfunctional beliefs contribute to the development and maintenance of symptoms. However, well-established belief domains (including beliefs about the importance of controlling thoughts) do not fully account for OCD symptomatology, suggesting that other cognitive mechanisms may be involved. Indeed, broader control-related beliefs, such as beliefs about losing control may warrant greater attention. This program of research aimed to enhance our understanding of broader control constructs in OCD, with a specific focus on beliefs about losing control. In Study 1, a systematic review of 157 studies examined the relationship between control beliefs and OCD symptoms. Results indicated that control beliefs were positively associated with OCD, with effect sizes ranging from small to large depending on symptom domain. In Study 2, undergraduate participants (N = 163) were provided false feedback that they were either at high or low risk of losing control and then completed a vignette task. Believing that one was more likely to lose control led to higher threat appraisals in doubting vignettes, but lower appraisals of thought control and OCD-relevant responses in aggressive thought vignettes. In Study 3, undergraduate participants (N = 137) with high versus low self-reported OCD symptoms responded to vignettes varying in the level of losing control described. In the aggressive thought vignettes, a higher level of losing control was associated with greater OCD-relevant appraisals, while no differences were found in the doubting vignettes. Study 4 developed and assessed the impact of a single-session cognitive intervention targeting beliefs about losing control on OCD-relevant appraisals and symptoms in a sub-clinical OCD sample (N = 35). Compared to the control condition (sleep hygiene), the intervention led to greater reductions in appraisals of losing control and OCD-relevant appraisals of responsibility, threat overestimation and need for control as measured by daily monitoring forms. However, it did not lead to changes in beliefs about losing control or OCD symptoms assessed via self-report questionnaires. Implications for cognitive theory and therapies are discussed.