Personality Types and Beliefs in Hoarding Disorder: A Cross Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32350/ccpr.81.03Keywords:
Hoarding Behaviours, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PersonalityAbstract
Hoarding is a prevalent psychological condition, with evidence suggesting that approximately 2-6% of the global adult population is affected. The objective of this study was to differentiate these individuals into three groups: hoarding disorder (HD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and non-clinical in terms of personality and beliefs behind hoarding behaviors. The study was cross-sectional in nature with a matched group research design. Sample size (N=303) was determined through G*Power analysis, collected through a purposive sampling strategy, following a specific inclusion criteria. Participants in three groups were matched on age and education. Participants with OCD were recruited from psychiatric units, whereas people with HD and those falling in the third category were recruited from the general population in the same vicinity. Standardized measures were administered to screen out HD and OCD, personality types and beliefs, as well as other mental health conditions, which were part of the exclusion criteria. ANOVA and Post Hoc analysis revealed a significant difference in the beliefs of emotional attachment with possession, control over saved items, and responsibility towards their cluttered material, as compared to normal and OCD participants. Neuroticism was highly reported by the individuals with HD. Individuals with HD were reported to be less conscientious, open to experience, and agreeable, as compare to those with OCD and normal control. Rigid beliefs related to collecting/saving and neurotic personality traits are significant factors in hoarding behaviors, including acquiring, saving, and difficulty with recycling, discarding, and disorganizing collected material.
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