Scrupulosity- Religious or Moral OCD

Scrupulosity - Religious or Moral OCD

What is Scrupulosity?

Scrupulosity is a form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive obsessions related to moral, ethical, or religious correctness, followed by compulsions aimed at reducing guilt, fear, or anxiety about doing something wrong. Over time, these fears become excessive, intrusive, and irrational.

Scrupulosity is caused by OCD, not by a person’s religious beliefs, though it can make normal religious practices feel stressful, distressing, or overwhelming.

Our therapists understand that faith and religious practice are deeply meaningful for many individuals and families in Utah, including those raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and other faith communities. We approach scrupulosity treatment with respect for each client’s personal beliefs and values, focusing on treating OCD—not faith. Therapy is not intended to alter your beliefs or values, but to help reduce the distress and impairment caused by OCD.

Healthy religious practice vs scrupulosity

How Scrupulosity Differs From Healthy Morality or Religious Practice?

Normal moral or religious concern feels balanced, flexible, and integrated into daily life. Scrupulosity, on the other hand, causes significant fear, shame, and distress. It is rigid, perfectionistic, time-consuming, and often interferes with daily life or spiritual well-being and peace.

What Can it Look Like?

Obsessions (Intrusive Fears):

Fear of committing a sin or moral violation
Worry about disappointing God or breaking religious rules
Intrusive blasphemous or immoral thoughts
Fear of lying, cheating, stealing, or harming others
Excessive doubt about one’s intentions

Compulsions (Attempts to Reduce Anxiety or Fear):

Repeated prayer or ritualized confession
Seeking reassurance from clergy, friends, or family
Overanalyzing thoughts or actions
Avoiding situations that might involve moral risk
Excessive checking to make sure nothing wrong was said or done

Examples of Scrupulosity

Religious Scrupulosity:

Repeating prayers until they feel “perfect”
Avoiding religious activities due to fear of doing them incorrectly
Frequently asking clergy whether a sin was committed

Moral Scrupulosity:

Replaying conversations to make sure nothing dishonest was said
Feeling intense guilt about minor, accidental actions
Giving away money or possessions to “make up” for perceived wrongs

Common Internal Thoughts:

“What if I offended God without realizing it?”
“What if that thought means I’m a bad person?”
“What if I accidentally lied?”
“What if I caused harm and don’t remember?”

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy for scrupulosity OCD does not replace religious or spiritual guidance. Instead, it helps individuals reduce OCD-related anxiety and fear, allowing them to engage in their faith more freely and with greater peace. Many clients report that their spiritual life feels more grounded and sustainable as OCD symptoms decrease.

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Sources:

International OCD Foundation. (n.d.). Scrupulosity: Religious or moral OCD. https://iocdf.org

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Obsessive-compulsive disorder. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov

Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Understanding obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). https://adaa.org

Ciarrocchi, J. W. (1995). The doubting disease: Help for scrupulosity and religious compulsions. Paulist Press.

Hyman, B. M., & Pedrick, C. (2010). The OCD workbook: Your guide to breaking free from obsessive-compulsive disorder (3rd ed.). New Harbinger Publications.

Grayson, J. (2014). Freedom from obsessive-compulsive disorder: A personalized recovery program for living with uncertainty (2nd ed.). Berkley Books.

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.