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Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory
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About Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory
Scale Name
Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory
Author Details
Ray J. Hodgson and Stanley Rachman
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) is a widely respected psychological assessment tool designed to evaluate the presence and severity of obsessional and compulsive symptoms, key features of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Developed in 1977 by Ray J. Hodgson and Stanley Rachman, the MOCI was created to address the need for a reliable, self-report measure that could capture the multifaceted nature of OCD in both clinical and research settings. At a time when OCD was gaining attention as a distinct psychiatric condition, this inventory offered a structured approach to assessing symptoms, grounded in the behavioral and cognitive theories prevalent in the Maudsley Hospital’s psychological research tradition.
Comprising 30 true-false items, the MOCI assesses four primary dimensions of OCD: checking (e.g., repeatedly verifying actions like locking doors), cleaning (e.g., excessive washing or fear of contamination), slowness (e.g., repetitive or deliberate task performance), and doubting (e.g., persistent uncertainty leading to compulsive behaviors). Respondents indicate whether each statement applies to them, with higher scores (ranging from 0 to 30) reflecting greater symptom severity. The scale’s design allows clinicians and researchers to identify specific symptom profiles, which is particularly useful for tailoring interventions like exposure and response prevention (ERP) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Validated initially with clinical OCD populations, the MOCI has proven adaptable across cultures, owing to its clear language and universal relevance of OCD symptoms.
For psychologists, the MOCI remains a practical tool for screening, monitoring treatment progress, and advancing research into OCD’s phenomenology. Its ability to differentiate OCD from other anxiety disorders, combined with its accessibility, ensures its enduring value. By providing insight into the specific compulsions and obsessions a person experiences, the MOCI empowers professionals to craft targeted strategies that alleviate the distress and disruption caused by this often-debilitating condition.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a copy of the Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory from a trusted psychological source, such as peer-reviewed journals or authorized distributors, ensuring compliance with usage guidelines.
- Explain the purpose of the MOCI to the respondent, noting that it assesses thoughts and behaviors related to obsessions and compulsions to better understand their experiences.
- Provide instructions, asking the respondent to read each of the 30 statements and mark “true” or “false” based on whether the statement reflects their typical behavior or feelings.
- Approximate time for completion is about 5-10 minutes, depending on the respondent’s reading speed and level of introspection.
- Administer the scale in a calm, private environment, using either paper or digital formats, to promote honest and thoughtful responses.
Reliability and Validity
The Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory exhibits robust psychometric properties, supporting its use in clinical and research contexts. Internal consistency is satisfactory, with Cronbach’s alpha values typically ranging from 0.70 to 0.80 for the total scale, and subscale alphas (e.g., checking, cleaning) generally above 0.65, as reported in early studies and subsequent validations. Test-retest reliability is strong, with correlations of 0.80 to 0.89 over several weeks, indicating stable measurement of OCD symptoms in untreated individuals.
Validity evidence is well-established. Convergent validity is shown through moderate to high correlations with other OCD measures, such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (r = 0.50-0.65), while discriminant validity is supported by lower correlations with unrelated constructs like general anxiety (r < 0.40). Criterion validity is demonstrated by the MOCI’s ability to distinguish OCD patients from non-clinical controls and other psychiatric groups, as well as its sensitivity to treatment effects, such as reductions in scores following CBT. These properties confirm the MOCI’s precision in capturing the core features of OCD.
Available Versions
30-Items
Reference
Hodgson, R. J., & Rachman, S. (1977). Obsessional-compulsive complaints. Behaviour research and therapy, 15(5), 389-395.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MOCI measure?
It measures obsessional and compulsive symptoms, focusing on checking, cleaning, slowness, and doubting.
Who can use the MOCI?
Psychologists, clinicians, and researchers use it for OCD assessment and research.
How long does it take to complete the MOCI?
It takes about 5-10 minutes.
Is the MOCI suitable for diagnosing OCD?
It aids in assessing symptoms but should be paired with clinical evaluation for diagnosis.
Can the MOCI track treatment progress?
Yes, it’s sensitive to changes from therapies like CBT or medication.
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