HM 14-3 The Obsessive-Compulsive Test Weiten describes obsessive-compulsive disorder as “marked by persistent, uncontrollable intrusions of unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and urges to engage in senseless rituals (compulsions).” These obsessions and compulsions help the individual harness anxiety. Many (if not all) of us do behave compulsively from time to time but are not necessarily disordered.

HM 14-3 Gardner (1980) provided a paper-and- pencil test to measure obsessive- compulsive tendencies. However, he gave no information regarding its reliability of validity. This test may give students some insights into the degree of their compulsivity and whether it might become a problem if unchecked. Scoring is relatively simple, as you merely add the total of all numbers circled.

HM 14-3 Gardner provided the following categories of scores: Not obsessive-compulsive Mildly obsessive-compulsive. Your compulsiveness is adaptive, generally having a beneficial effect moderately obsessive-compulsive. You are adaptive but “uptightness” has crept into your functioning and you experience days of high tension Severely obsessive-compulsive. You are adaptive but quite “uptight”, insecure, hard- driving. You have many days of nervous tension that should be eased off. If close to 100, depression could be a problem.