Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Camilo Ortiz, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Marc Diener, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Rachel Kutner, Psy.D.

Abstract

Religious scrupulosity is a subset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by obsessions and compulsions related to religious beliefs and observances (Abramowitz et al., 2002; Miller & Hedges, 2008). Exposure and response prevention (E/RP) is the most effective psychological intervention for OCD and is also the recommended treatment for religious scrupulosity (Abramowitz, 2006; Abramowitz & Buchholtz, 2020). Orthodox Judaism has a set of beliefs and observances, some of which may challenge the appropriateness of using E/RP in this population (Huppert et al., 2007; Huppert & Siev, 2010). Although studies (e.g., Bonchek & Greenberg, 2009; Greenberg & Shefler, 2008) have examined aspects of using E/RP in the Orthodox Jewish community for treating scrupulosity, no review has fully integrated psychological literature and Judaic sources. Combining these sources is important as it will help clinicians provide appropriate treatment and will increase awareness about the application of evidence-based interventions. This review aims to provide recommendations on using E/RP for religious scrupulosity in the Orthodox Jewish community by integrating psychological and religious literature. This critical literature review examines peer-reviewed psychology articles and Judaic sources discussing traditional Jewish attitudes toward scrupulosity and the usage of E/RP. This review provides clinicians, clients, and clergy with an interdisciplinary informed perspective and practical recommendations regarding the utility of E/RP for religious scrupulosity in the Orthodox Jewish community.

Download

Share

COinS