The Doubting Disease: Help for Scrupulosity and Religious Compulsions

by Joseph W. Ciarrocchi, Joseph W. Ciarrocci

The Doubting Disease by Joseph W. Ciarrocchi brings to the fore the most current information available today on religion and scruples, scrupulosity, and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). In this book he helps us clearly appreciate the interior anguish suffered by thousands of people of faith who have this symptomatology and what we can do about it. As well as offering a concise, helpful understanding of the demographics, etiology and treatment of scrupulosity and OCD, in the Doubting Disease he also addresses the *How does scrupulosity develop? *What are the differences between common and uncommon scrupulosity? *What are some classic and contemporary models of religious scrupulosity? *Where does the issue of scrupulosity fit into the history of pastoral care? *What are some practical ways to target scruples and increase motivation for reduction of scrupulosity and compulsivity? *How and when should persons get help for scrupulosity and OCD? Essential for all persons involved in general ministry, pastoral counseling, and the treatment of religious persons suffering from scrupulosity and OCD, I believe this book will also be of great service for anyone interested in the psychology of religion and the theological topics of "conversion," "discernment," and "sin." ―-Robert J. Wicks Series Editor †

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Counselling, Mental Health, Religion, Spirituality, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[Jacob Hudgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful introduction to scrupulosity, but there is far more information surrounding it than help for treatment. Ciarrocchi also seemed to focus more on Catholic issues, including proposing a treatment in which a patient/client is compelled by “church rules” to comply and resist obsessional scruples.

I think the combination of OCD and religiosity is a severely underreported and under identified issue in churches. Being in a pastoral role means these types of challenges have come across my desk from time to time. This book was helpful in identifying but less helpful in counteracting.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the read, particularly for a general understanding of scrupulosity, its history (Martin Luther, St. Ignatius Loyola-founder of the Jesuits, and John Bunyan all suffered from it), and a practical treatment method.

[Amie Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tools in this book are priceless! I found it hard to sit and read the book, probably because a lot of the language is over my head, but it did help me understand scruples better and the worksheets have helped a lot in my sons treatment!

[Caroline Liberatore-Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive look at OCD with a focus towards scrupulosity. Provides overview of both OCD and scruples with theological, clinical, and psychological expertise, then guides reader through step-by-step behavioral methods of treatment. Extremely helpful for sufferers of OCD/scruples, those who counsel, and friends/family of those with OCD/scruples.
I was particularly grateful to find that the author was able to provide methods of relief while also maintaining the role, significance, and beauty of religion in sufferers lives.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

A solid book on OCD for those with scruples (obsessions and/or compulsions with a religious component). Even though it's almost 30 years old, everything is still relevant and an excellent resource for someone new to the topic. As a therapist with a good bit of knowledge and experience working with Christian clients with OCD, this book served as a good guide that I'm on the right track with my treatment approach while also adding a few resources.

[Emma Mckenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person with this form of OCD I've found his book super insightful and helpful. Four stars, only because it was kind of wordy at times, but overall a great read.

[Amort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped us greatly in dealing with a child with scrupulosity.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit too technical at times for me but still very informative. Even though my mother appears to have scrupulosity as one of her forms of OCD, I had never heard the term before.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

More technical than Understanding Scrupulosity by Fr. Thomas Santa but still helpful.

[Ani · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was helpful to identify with some of the examples he relates. On the other hand, I got somewhat bored with much of the content. Worth the read though.