Effectiveness of Thought-Stopping in Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Compulsive Hoarding Disorders

The present study aimed to identify the effectiveness of a counseling program based on thought-stopping among female students suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and compulsive hoarding disorder (CHD). The sample consisted of 40 students distributed equally and randomly to the treatment and control groups. OCD and CHD scales and a program based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in thought-stopping were applied. The program began with discussion, thought-stopping exercises, homework, and evaluation at the end of the session. The experimental design was employed. Both the treatment group and control group received pretests, posttest, and follow-up of OCD and CHD scales. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the paired sample t-test were used to address the study hypotheses. The results showed that there were significant differences between the treatment and control group in OCD and CHD in favor of the treatment group on the posttest, with high effects, respectively, of 30% and 26%. Results also showed the program's effectiveness of thought-stopping on the follow-up test, a month after program termination. Thought-stopping training of cognitive behavioral therapy method contributes effectively to reducing OCD and HCD among female students in the school environment, we recommend applying this technique to improve adjustment and lifestyle. Therefore, CBT is a highly effective treatment in reducing cognitive distortions and irrational thoughts and effectively deals with OCD and HCD caused by negative and maladaptive thoughts.