The role of anger in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A systematic review and an empirical investigation of a psychodynamic model.

Morgan, Matthew 2025. The role of anger in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A systematic review and an empirical investigation of a psychodynamic model. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background: Theoretical models implicate anger in the psychopathology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), yet the evidence has not been systematically synthesised. Objectives: To quantify associations between anger facets (Trait Anger, Anger Expression, and Anger Control) and overall Obsessive-Compulsive (OC) symptom severity in adults, and to explore links with OCD symptom dimensions. Methods: We searched five databases and ancillary sources to September 2025 for cross-sectional adult studies reporting correlations between anger and OC symptoms. The risk of bias was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute tool. Pearson correlations were Fisher’s z-transformed and pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria; 12 (total N = 3,503; k = 12) entered meta-analysis. Trait Anger showed a significant medium association with overall OCD severity (r = .42, 95% CI [.38, .46]; I² = 24.7%). Anger Expression-In was more strongly associated than Anger Expression-Out (In: r = .32, 95% CI [.24, .40]; Out: r = .18, 95% CI [.09, .26]). Anger Control-In showed a small negative association with severity (r = -.11, 95% CI [-.18, -.04]), as did Anger Control-Out (r = -.10, 95% CI [-.17, -.03]), indicating that higher control is related to lower symptoms. Exploratory analyses suggested Trait Anger was most strongly associated with OCD symptom dimensions. Conclusions: Anger is a clinically meaningful correlate of OCD severity. Integrating brief anger assessment and, where indicated, anger-focused interventions into OCD care may be valuable; prospective and experimental studies are needed to test causal effects. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024534201.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords: anger, obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, meta-analysis
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 December 2025
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2025 15:56
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183074

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