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Cognitive models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) posit that particular beliefs transform normal intrusions into disturbing obsessions. A wealth of data shows that such beliefs and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms are related in adults. However, there is markedly less information regarding OCD-related beliefs in youth. The purpose of this study was to assess the relation between OCD-related beliefs and OC symptoms in unselected adolescents (ages 13–18 years; N = 159). Findings from questionnaires completed on the Internet were consistent with previous findings in adults. Increased levels of OCD-related beliefs were related to increased levels of OC symptoms. Perfectionism and certainty beliefs had a specific relation with symmetry and ordering symptoms. Contrary to expectation, levels of OCD-related beliefs in this unselected sample were similar to those found in prior studies of youth diagnosed with OCD. Implications, limitations, and future directions for the study of OCD-related beliefs in youth are discussed.

Efforts to understand the nature of "Not Just Right Experiences" (NJREs) have expanded the scientific understanding of obsessive-compulsive (OC) behavior. Approximately 80% of unselected adults report experiencing NJREs and these experiences have been found to highly correlate with OC behavior. The purpose of this study was to assess NJREs in an unselected sample of adolescents (ages 14-17; N = 152), to compare their experience with adults (N = 237), and to assess the relation between NJREs and OC symptoms. Findings from questionnaires completed on the Internet were consistent with previous findings in adults, 81% of adolescents endorsed recently having an NJRE. Some reactions differed according to age: adults reported NJREs as more frequent and adolescents endorsed feeling more compelled to respond. Surprisingly, OC symptoms were not significantly related to NJREs in the adolescents. Implications, limitations, and future directions for the study of NJREs in youth are discussed.

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