Religious Affiliation and Obsessive Cognitions and Symptoms: A Comparison Between Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Non-Clinical Groups in Italy

Growing interest has been dedicated by researchers on obsessive– compulsive disorder across different religious affiliations. Increasing migration in Italy is making the country progressively multireligious but is a relatively new phenomenon, consequently this research area is still young. The present study aimed at examining differences on obsessive– compulsive (OC) cognitions and symptoms between Jews, Christians, and Muslims living in Italy. Another purpose was to investigate whether potential differences on these OC features between groups could be moderated by the level of religiosity. Three hundred fifty-four nonclinical individuals, including Jews (n 97), Christians (n 139), and Muslims (n 118), completed the OBQ-87, the III, the PI, the BAI, and the BDI-II. After controlling for anxiety and depression, Muslims had more severe OC symptoms and cognitions compared to Jews and Christians. Conversely, the level of religiosity did not appear to be significantly associated with OC symptoms and cognitions severity. Theoretical explanations and clinical implications are discussed.