0% completed
Study information

Dear prospective participants,

We would like to ask you to take part in a scientific research project at the University of Potsdam (Clinical Psychology Group). This information sheet describes the content and aim of the research project. We will also explain how the study will work in detail. You should only take part in the study if you agree to participate.

Brief description of the project:

People who suffer from contamination-related obsessive-compulsive disorder experience an inner, uncontrollable urge to think (obsessive thoughts) or do certain things over and over again (obsessive actions). Obsessive thoughts sometimes relate to strong disgust and fear of bacteria, dirt and contamination. Compulsive actions mainly relate to excessive cleaning of surfaces, door handles, prolonged and intensive hand washing or showering and avoiding direct contact with objects that have been touched by other people. This leads to time-consuming and uncontrollable thought and action routines that require a lot of time and attention. 

The aim of this study is to better understand contamination compulsions as a basis for future effective therapy methods. By participating in our study, you will enable research to gain a deeper insight into these processes. To this end, this study examines the processing of sentences with content that is sometimes unpleasant. We are particularly interested in the difference in relation to individual contamination-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Your participation in the study can help to improve and expand the range of therapies on offer. 

The study consists of one measurement time point and is not remunerated. The survey takes about 60 minutes.

You cannot participate in the study if...

If you suffer from a serious mental disorder or severe health impairment, we would like to ask you to refrain from participating in the study for your own protection so as not to expose you to additional stress. We would also ask you not to participate in the study if any of the following apply to you: 

  • You are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
  • You are not a native speaker of English.
  • You are pregnant.
  • You have an uncorrected hearing or visual impairment.
  • You are currently taking tranquilizers or sleeping pills (benzodiazepines) or neuroleptics (medication often used for delusional disorders).
  • You suffer from a neurological disorder (e.g. traumatic brain injury, falls with loss of consciousness, neurodegenerative diseases, strokes, tic disorders).
  • You are dependent on drugs, alcohol, medication or other substances (psychotropic substances with the exception of coffee and nicotine).
  • You have a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder or psychosis.

Procedure of the study:

The first part of the study consists of four parts, which we would like to describe to you in more detail below: 

After reading this information sheet, we would like to ask you to give your consent to participate in the study. You will then be asked about the above-mentioned criteria for participation in the study (“You cannot participate in the study if...”). 

Film: After answering a short questionnaire, we would like to ask you to watch a short film sequence that may be experienced as unpleasant.

Experiment: Then we would like to ask you to complete three tasks. The first task is about constructing sentences, among other things. Here you are presented with sets of words from which you have to form a correct sentence as quickly as possible. In the other tasks, you will be presented with short scenarios and asked to choose from various possible answers. You will receive precise instructions before and during the tasks. We will also ask you to provide some demographic information.

Questionnaires: Finally, we would like to ask you to complete some questionnaires to give us more information about your experience and behavior. By asking about the symptoms of various psychological symptoms, it is generally possible to identify a diagnosis. There is no feedback or output of possible findings, as the data is stored anonymously. Further information on this can be found under “Abnormal findings” further down in the text. The study does not aim to identify abnormalities with a disease value or a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder or any other mental disorder. If a questionnaire should accidentally reveal such abnormalities, a clinical evaluation cannot be carried out. We are not liable for possible diagnosis. 

Possible risks

There is no physical strain on you during the study. Performing the task on the screen requires concentration and attention, which can lead to fatigue. You have the opportunity to take a break at any time between tasks.

Exposure to the film, the questionnaires and the word sets/scenarios presented may cause emotional distress for some people. The content could possibly reinforce fears of contamination. Cognitive engagement with this content is necessary as part of the study. It is not to be assumed that you will be negatively affected or harmed in the long term. However, it cannot be completely ruled out that people may perceive an increase in their obsessive-compulsive symptoms as a result of the study or that individual questions may cause uncertainty regarding possible obsessive-compulsive symptoms. We will also ask about suicidal tendencies as part of a questionnaire. In this context, please note that the data will not be evaluated immediately, but only at a later date (see also “Abnormal findings”). If you experience severe stress during or after the study, you can make use of an extended range of support services (e.g. help pages).

You are welcome to contact the following advice centers, for example: 


Befrienders Worldwide: https://befrienders.org/
Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/?currency=EUR or call 116 123
Berliner Krisendienst (English option): https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/
TalkLife: https://www.talklife.com/get-professional-help-now


Voluntary participation
Participation in the study is voluntary. You can terminate your participation in this study at any time and without giving reasons, without incurring any disadvantages. You will have as much time as you need to go through the consent form at the beginning of the study.

Anonymity
All data will be stored and analyzed exclusively using a consecutive subject number (e.g. VP 1), so that no conclusions can be drawn about your person. In the event of publication of the study results, the confidentiality of your personal data is therefore guaranteed.

Abnormal findings
The examination is for research purposes only. A medical or psychological evaluation of your data will not take place. Your data will not be evaluated immediately, but only after the end of the study in anonymized form. If you do not agree to this, you will not be able to take part in the study. 

If you have any questions about the study, please contact the study director at the following e-mail address: rawald@uni-potsdam.de