In this episode of Get to Know OCD, we dive deep into the complexities of scrupulosity, a form of OCD that intertwines with one’s values, morals, or religious beliefs. Featuring Dr. Jed Siev, a licensed clinical psychologist and faculty member at Swarthmore College, this discussion sheds light on how OCD latches onto the things we care about most — faith, morality, or even our natural desire to be a “good” person. Drawing from his extensive research and clinical experience, Dr. Siev unpacks how scrupulosity manifests in different faiths, from Jewish rituals to Christian doctrines. Learn how to differentiate between genuine faith practices and OCD-driven rituals, and discover ways to reclaim a values-driven life.
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Show notes:
0:00 Intro
1:18 Jed’s background
2:37 The rise of climate anxiety
10:20 How Jed’s interest in scrupulosity started
11:51 How religion and scrupulosity intersect
15:52 Telling apart religious and compulsive rituals
18:31 “Am I a bad person” self-talk
21:57 Accepting uncertainty
23:39 How sin is viewed now vs. then
25:57 Teaching faith leaders about OCD
33:00 Explaining scrupulosity to someone’s support system
39:30 OCD doesn’t know how to move on
43:37 Jed’s advice to those needing help
45:30 What Jed is up to
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