Perception of memory ability and confidence in recollections in obsessive-compulsive checking

Inconsistencies in research on deficits in memory for actions in studies of obsessive-compulsive (OC) checking have refocused investigators on beliefs such as confidence in the accuracy of recall as a possible motivation for checking. Poor confidence in relation to recall may be specific (perceived poor recall for a particular event) or general (perceived poor memory ability for that class of events). The present study examines both perception of memory ability and confidence in recollections in OC checkers across a range of situations, obsessive and non-obsessive. These ratings were compared with those of non-checking obsessional patients, anxious controls and non-clinical controls. OC checkers reported poorer perception of memory ability than other groups in situations for which they are responsible, both OC relevant and OC non-relevant. OC checkers also reported lower confidence in recollections compared to the other groups; this was specific to obsessional situations for which they are responsible. These findings are considered in the context of the cognitive model of OCD. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.