Investigating the Link Between Overcontrolled Traits and Functional Impairment: Determining Relations and Establishing Interpretive Guidelines

Abstract

Dimensional models that view personality pathology as maladaptive variants of general traits have proven useful and gained traction in diagnostic systems. In such a model, problems with the control and regulation of behavior exist on a spectrum of conscientiousness, ranging from undercontrol/impulsivity to overcontrol/compulsivity. The Five-Factor Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (FFOCI) is a promising measure to assess the traits of overcontrol that have long been included within the diagnostic category of Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). A key concern with such a model is determining where along an otherwise adaptive trait does overcontrol become problematic. The present study uses a 500-person sample, matched to adults in the 2020 U.S. Census, to determine normative values and provisional cut points for each scale. We then calculated bins of the FFOCI T scores (e.g., 60–64) and examined how well they connected with various functional outcomes (e.g., relational support, well-being, stress, and occupational performance, OCPD symptoms) using regression and mean comparisons. Together, these approaches identified levels where problematic outcomes were more likely. Overall, we established initial interpretive guidelines that allow clinicians to identify scores (> 65t) on the FFOCI that can guide therapists toward those aspects of overcontrol most in need of therapeutic intervention.