Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the similarities and differences in various beliefs and control-related dimensions between obsessionals and worriers. Questionnaires included the symptom measures(PI, PSWQ, BDI) and the personality measures(LOT-R, OBQ, PSI, SCI). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed on the data of college students. It was suggested that both obsessional symptoms and worry are characterized by the common personality dimensions of threat overestimation, need for control, and lack of positive accepting mode of control. It was also suggested that inflated responsibility, intolerance of uncertainty, perfectionism, negative assertive mode of control, and over-controlling attitude are the more specific personality characteristics of obsessionals, and that problem-solving inconfidence and negative accepting mode of control are the more specific characteristics of worriers. Finally, it was discussed how each personality dimension might differentially influence the content themes of obsessional symptoms or worry.