When Obsessions Hurt: The Hidden Link Between OCD and Relationship Violence in College Student

Abstract Introduction Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can distort environmental perception and increase vulnerability to risky situations, including inadequate responses to stress, which may facilitate violent behaviors by limiting self-protection and social support networks. Thus, OCD may act as a predisposing or amplifying factor in violent contexts. Objectives To determine the association between OCD and Intimate Partner Violence among university students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Veracruz, Mexico. University students aged 17-30 were included, excluding prior mental disorder diagnoses. The main independent variable was OCD (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale) and the dependent was the intimate partner violence (IPV) (Questionnaire on Violence Received, Exercised and Perceived). Associations were analyzed using odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values <0.05. Violence severity was assessed using quartile distribution. Data were analyzed with SPSS v27. Results Among 520 participants, 56.9% had OCD (mild to very severe), and 68.1% reported some form of IPV. OCD was significantly associated with overall IPV (OR 2.4, CI 1.6-3.5), exerted (2.3, 1.6-3.3), and received (2.2, 1.5-3.2). Mild OCD was associated with general (1.9, 1.2-3.0), exerted (1.7, 1.1-2.5), and received (1.6, 1.1-2.4) violence; severe OCD was linked to exerted (11.2, 1.45-86.3) and received (8.5, 1.1-66.1) violence. OCD was also associated with high-level violence: general (2.6, 1.7-4.1), received (2.4, 1.5-3.7), and exerted (2.4, 1.6-3.8). Moderate OCD showed association with general (2.1, 1.3-3.2), received (2.03, 1.3-3.13), and exerted (2.0, 1.2-3.9) violence, while severe OCD was strongly associated with global (4.72, 1.6-13.4), received (4.4, 1.5-12.7), and exerted (6.3, 2.1-4.1) violence, all p < 0.05. Conclusions Findings highlight the need for OCD and IPV screening in university settings, incorporating mental health and relational assessments. Key messages • OCD increases the risk of experiencing and perpetrating intimate partner violence among university students, highlighting the need for public health strategies for early detection. • There is a need for permanent mental health programs in universities to enable preventive, diagnostic, and support actions in response to these situations.