Student research on the complexities of OCD featured in renowned psychology publication

Emily Richards, a Master's student in Psychology, spoke to people who have OCD and compared these shared experiences with how the disorder can be misrepresented on social media, where OCD can sometimes be seen as motivation for keeping a place clean or ‘intrusive thoughts’ referring to acting impulsively. 

Her work has now been featured on the website of the British Psychological Society, a charity which has been championing psychology since 1901. 

The feature includes Emily's experiences of speaking to those with OCD, revealing they felt alienated from others, as those around them lacked knowledge about the disorder, instead believing stigmatising stereotypes. Emily added that there are many different ways OCD can be experienced. 

Emily said: “I found researching obsessive compulsive disorder to be a difficult but rewarding experience. It involves such a variety of symptom presentations as – despite the basis being intrusive thoughts, obsessions and compulsions – there are so many ways that these can appear for people. 

“My own diagnosis of the disorder further motivated me to consider the representation of the disorder, after a variety of experiences with people misrepresenting the disorder in the media and in real life. Having the opportunity to talk to others with the disorder and discuss these shared experiences as part of the second study was such a valuable opportunity and helped me to understand both the unique and similar ways that OCD presents itself, despite this being rather contradictory in and of itself. 

“I was grateful to have the opportunity to research the media representation of the disorder and pleased to see OCD viewed through the lens of those with the disorder itself for the majority of the time. Sharing the stories of real people with OCD or realistic depictions of the disorder allows for those with the disorder to see themselves in the media, helping them to understand that even at their darkest, there is light and positivity ahead. 

“I had support from the Psychology staff during both my Master’s and undergraduate degrees. I will forever be grateful to my family and friends and without them I would not have had the opportunity or ability to reach this point and conduct successful research.

“My experience on the MRes has made me realise that research is what I want to do with my career, and that I will forever find joy in challenging myself to find new information.”

Senior Lecturer in Psychology Dr Brooke Swash said: “Emily’s research is focused on an important yet understudied topic area. Understanding how OCD is portrayed online can help to shed light on the complex and varied experiences of those living with this condition.”

Dr Suzanne Stewart, Associate Professor of Psychological Science, added: “The MRes Psychology team is delighted to see Emily disseminating her research findings to an external audience. This success is the result of Emily’s hard work and the support she has gained from her supervisors in designing and executing all stages of her project, as well the learning and skills she has developed through the modules on the course.

“The MRes degree has been designed to give students like Emily the knowledge, experiences, and competencies necessary for moving on to PhD study and research-related careers.”