Panel Discussion 30 - Sociocultural Influences on OCD Symptoms and Treatment in Marginalized Communities

There has been little focus on experiences of OCD in marginalized communities across identities (e.g., race/ethnicity, sexual and gender identity, religion and spirituality, and immigrant/refugee status). Marginalized communities experience identity-based stressors that exist in many forms, including covert (e.g., microaggressions) and overt (e.g., discrimination) experiences. These sociocultural stressors are associated with individual and collective injuries that influence physical and mental health outcomes in marginalized communities (Walch et al., 2016; Paradies et al., 2015). A growing body of research suggests that identity-based stressors can influence OCD symptoms and treatment outcomes in marginalized communities. For example, sexual minorities experience more frequent stigma and shame-based OC symptoms (Pinciotti & Orcutt, 2021) and discrimination is associated with worsened OCD symptoms in racial/ethnic minorities (Williams et al., 2017). Such research highlights a growing need for researchers and clinicians alike to consider, discuss, and better understand the unique considerations for the experience and treatment of OCD in marginalized communities.

Panelists were chosen based on their research and clinical expertise in understanding and managing identity-based stressors and OCD, as well as personal identities, training levels, and professional settings. Panelists will discuss the current research literature on the impact of sociocultural stressors and identity-related protective factors on OCD. Additionally, panelists will discuss culturally-affirming cognitive behavioral interventions for identity-based stressors in individuals with OCD (e.g., ERP, ACT, Mindfulness). Moreover, panelists will share their experiences with providing affirming individual and/or group-based CBT interventions for managing identity-based stressors among those with OCD. This discussion will focus on enhancing understanding of the impact of identity-based stressors and fortifying culturally-affirming treatments for marginalized communities with OCD. Additionally, panelists will discuss unique considerations for delivering ERP in the context of sociopolitical and regional influences.