Degree Date

9-2026

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Academic Discipline

Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Brad Olson, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Lauren Smith, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Emese Vitalis, Ph.D.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a profound event in modern history, contributing to significant disruptions on a societal and individual level. This period of time was marked by elevated uncertainty and fear among individuals. COVID-19 contributed to deterioration in not only physical health but also psychological well-being. One mental health condition frequently under-examined and saturated with misconceptions is obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a condition characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Intolerance of uncertainty is a core component of the condition, and the pandemic was riddled with unpredictability. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of young adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing a qualitative approach. Existing research on this topic is limited and mainly conducted using a quantitative approach.

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