CBT Integrated with the 4 T Psychoeducation Model for Muslim Scrupulosity: A Case Study

Abstract

Scrupulosity is a subtype of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by obsessions and compulsions with religious content. A strong research supports that exposure and response prevention (ERP) intervention and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective for the treatment of OCD. However, it is necessary to be careful in the application of therapy and ERP in religious individuals. Because individuals may not find the interventions compatible with their religious values and may not be motivated enough, in this case study, the process of cognitive psychoeducational model (4 T model) and religious psychoeducation integrated CBT with a Muslim woman with scrupulosity is presented. The therapy process consisted of 11 face-to-face sessions, including cognitive interventions, religious psychoeducation, and ERP interventions. At the end of the intervention, obsession and compulsion symptoms were reduced, and this improvement was maintained at 1-week and 3-month follow-ups. This case illustrated the importance of using religious content in treating scrupulosity.