OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE PERSONALITY - REVIEW

Reviews the term obsessive-compulsive personality (or anal character). Statistical studies of obsessive-compulsive personality conducted over approximately the last 2 decades are then reviewed, emphasizing the extent to which they support theory, clinical observation, and description. Evidence is still needed on precise etiological determinants, and persuasive evidence in favor of classical psychoanalytic theories about etiology is lacking. Empirically based findings to date, however, are congruent with clinical observation, description, and prediction regarding the salient behavioral characteristics and character styles of obsessive-compulsive individuals. (114 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1979 American Psychological Association.