Abstract
Introduction
Dual system learning theories posit an overreliance characterizes obsessive–compulsive disorder on habitual decision-making at the expense of goal-directed learning. However, most studies on this topic used frequentist statistics and did not evaluate the discriminant validity of goal-directed learning indices.
Methods
We recruited 55 OCD patients, used Bayesian statistics to examine goal-directed learning in OCD, and tested whether goal-directed learning indices showed discriminant validity. Patients completed self-reports, a two-stage reinforcement learning task, executive functioning (EF), and related tests (Rey Complex Figure, Wisconsin Card Sorting, Stroop tests).
Results
Analyses showed that goal-directed learning deficits were related to compulsions and self-reported OCD severity, but not obsessions, OCD-related beliefs, trait anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, or depression. Moreover, increased compulsivity and self-reported OCD (vs. all other dimensions examined) were linked to faster responses. Evidence for discriminant validity was found. Goal-directed learning coefficients were unrelated to set-shifting, inhibitory control, and visuospatial memory. Compulsivity was unrelated to memory and set-shifting but associated with poorer inhibition.
Conclusions
Findings highlight the importance of conceptualizing psychopathology dimensionally, such as the relevance of imbalanced habitual vs. goal-directed behavior in OCD. Results also underscore the importance of examining unique associations of goal-directed behaviors in OCD with clinical/syndromal measures (compulsions vs. obsessions).
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Notes
Due to space constraints, we offer details of the psychometric properties of the tests herein in Appendix A of the online supplementary materials (OSM).
Appendix E offers details on the interpretation of Bayes Factor (BF10) values. Appendix F provides information on the impact of multiple testing of non-independent inter-related tests from a Bayesian perspective.
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Nur Hani Zainal, Joan Camprodon, Jennifer L. Greenberg, Aura M. Hurtado, Joshua E. Curtiss, Rebecca Matilde Berger-Gutierrez, Claire M. Gillan, Sabine Wilhelm declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Zainal, N.H., Camprodon, J.A., Greenberg, J.L. et al. Goal-Directed Learning Deficits in Patients with OCD: A Bayesian Analysis. Cogn Ther Res 47, 243–254 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-022-10348-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-022-10348-3