About Scrupulosity
Introduction to "Freedom from Scrupulosity: Reclaiming Your Religious Experience from Anxiety and OCD" by Dr. McClendon:
Do you or your loved one obsessively worry about your worthiness before God? Is your ability to feel peace disrupted by anxiety and worry about doing things right or about having done some things wrong? Is your life held hostage by anxiety over religious or moral issues? Do worship activities such as scripture study or attendance at church meetings create emotional torment because you are hyperfocused on content that triggers your anxiety but you don’t know how to let it go? Do you excessively pray or perform religious rituals to try to assuage uncomfortable feelings? Do you more than frequently seek reassurance from others? Do you feel like you suffer the pains of a damned soul no matter how much you repent? Or do you feel you are handling your life pretty well except you can’t get over that “one thing” you did? These feelings often create spiritual torment in the lives of otherwise dedicated, conscientious people.
Most people are surprised to learn that rather than being legitimate spiritual promptings, these anxious thoughts and processes are facets of a particular form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) called scrupulosity. “Scrupulosity is a psychological disorder primarily characterized by pathological guilt or obsession associated with moral or religious issues that is often accompanied by compulsive moral or religious observance and is highly distressing and maladaptive.” (Miller, C. H., & Hedges, D. W. (2008). Scrupulosity disorder: An overview and introductory analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22(6), 1042.
Definitions:
Obsessions are distressing ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that repeatedly enter a person's mind and may seem to occur against his or her will. The thoughts may be repugnant or frightening, or may seem senseless to the person who is experiencing them.
Compulsions (also called rituals) are defined as behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform, although s/he may recognize them as senseless or excessive. It may be difficult or anxiety provoking for a person to resist performing these behaviors.
Do you or your loved one obsessively worry about your worthiness before God? Is your ability to feel peace disrupted by anxiety and worry about doing things right or about having done some things wrong? Is your life held hostage by anxiety over religious or moral issues? Do worship activities such as scripture study or attendance at church meetings create emotional torment because you are hyperfocused on content that triggers your anxiety but you don’t know how to let it go? Do you excessively pray or perform religious rituals to try to assuage uncomfortable feelings? Do you more than frequently seek reassurance from others? Do you feel like you suffer the pains of a damned soul no matter how much you repent? Or do you feel you are handling your life pretty well except you can’t get over that “one thing” you did? These feelings often create spiritual torment in the lives of otherwise dedicated, conscientious people.
Most people are surprised to learn that rather than being legitimate spiritual promptings, these anxious thoughts and processes are facets of a particular form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) called scrupulosity. “Scrupulosity is a psychological disorder primarily characterized by pathological guilt or obsession associated with moral or religious issues that is often accompanied by compulsive moral or religious observance and is highly distressing and maladaptive.” (Miller, C. H., & Hedges, D. W. (2008). Scrupulosity disorder: An overview and introductory analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22(6), 1042.
Definitions:
Obsessions are distressing ideas, thoughts, images or impulses that repeatedly enter a person's mind and may seem to occur against his or her will. The thoughts may be repugnant or frightening, or may seem senseless to the person who is experiencing them.
Compulsions (also called rituals) are defined as behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform, although s/he may recognize them as senseless or excessive. It may be difficult or anxiety provoking for a person to resist performing these behaviors.
About Dr. McClendon
Dr. McClendon has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Utah. She is the owner and training director of Debra Theobald McClendon, PhD, PLLC.
Dr. McClendon is a member of the International OCD Foundation (www.iocdf.org). She specializes in helping those with Religious and Moral OCD (scrupulosity/OCD-S). She offers gold-standard OCD treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure-Response Prevention. She has launched on-line courses on anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder's scrupulosity. Dr. McClendon has just released her newest book Freedom from Scrupulosity: Reclaiming Your Religious Experience from Anxiety and OCD. She has also published articles on anxiety and scrupulosity in the Ensign (now called the Liahona), a publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as in LDS Living. She has been interviewed as a guest on several podcasts. She has also co-authored book chapters and articles on outcome assessment and group therapy in the academic community. She and her husband, Richard J. McClendon, have co-authored a book on strengthening marriage: "Commitment to the Covenant: Strengthening the Me, We, and Thee of Marriage."
Dr. McClendon is also authorized by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to provide telehealth (video chat) psychotherapy with clients residing in the following U.S. states and territories: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington state, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Vermont. (Other states have pending PSYPACT legislation. Check this website page for updates.)
Dr. McClendon is a dynamic public speaker, addressing mental health and anxiety. She has been a speaker at conferences, such as BYU Education Week and BYU Women's Conference. Dr. McClendon has previously taught as an adjunct psychology instructor at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.
On a personal note, Dr. McClendon enjoys working-out, reading, mountain views, doing puzzles, spending time with her kiddos, walking in the evening with her hubby, and eating spicy green salsa.
Follow her on Facebook at The OCD & Scrupulosity Clinic, PLLC
Follow her on Instagram at ocdscrupulosityclinic
Dr. McClendon is a member of the International OCD Foundation (www.iocdf.org). She specializes in helping those with Religious and Moral OCD (scrupulosity/OCD-S). She offers gold-standard OCD treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure-Response Prevention. She has launched on-line courses on anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder's scrupulosity. Dr. McClendon has just released her newest book Freedom from Scrupulosity: Reclaiming Your Religious Experience from Anxiety and OCD. She has also published articles on anxiety and scrupulosity in the Ensign (now called the Liahona), a publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as in LDS Living. She has been interviewed as a guest on several podcasts. She has also co-authored book chapters and articles on outcome assessment and group therapy in the academic community. She and her husband, Richard J. McClendon, have co-authored a book on strengthening marriage: "Commitment to the Covenant: Strengthening the Me, We, and Thee of Marriage."
Dr. McClendon is also authorized by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to provide telehealth (video chat) psychotherapy with clients residing in the following U.S. states and territories: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington state, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Vermont. (Other states have pending PSYPACT legislation. Check this website page for updates.)
Dr. McClendon is a dynamic public speaker, addressing mental health and anxiety. She has been a speaker at conferences, such as BYU Education Week and BYU Women's Conference. Dr. McClendon has previously taught as an adjunct psychology instructor at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.
On a personal note, Dr. McClendon enjoys working-out, reading, mountain views, doing puzzles, spending time with her kiddos, walking in the evening with her hubby, and eating spicy green salsa.
Follow her on Facebook at The OCD & Scrupulosity Clinic, PLLC
Follow her on Instagram at ocdscrupulosityclinic
ON-LINE COURSES
McClendon, D. T. (August 24, 2020). Anxious, Anyone?
McClendon, D. T. (June 29, 2020). Your Guide to Scrupulosity (Religious OCD).
McClendon, D. T. (June 29, 2020). Your Guide to Scrupulosity (Religious OCD).
BOOKS
McClendon, D. T. (August 2023). Freedom from Scrupulosity: Reclaiming Your Religious Experience from Anxiety and OCD. BYU Religious Studies Center & Deseret Book.
McClendon, D. T. & McClendon, R. J. (April 2018). Commitment to the Covenant: Strengthening the Me, We, and Thee of Marriage. BYU Religious Studies Center & Deseret Book. (See the "resources" page for links to several of the chapters.)
McClendon, D. T. & McClendon, R. J. (April 2018). Commitment to the Covenant: Strengthening the Me, We, and Thee of Marriage. BYU Religious Studies Center & Deseret Book. (See the "resources" page for links to several of the chapters.)
PODCASTS
McClendon, D. T. (September 29, 2023). Listen, Learn, & Love hosted by Richard Ostler, Episode 702: Dr. Debra Theobald McClendon, New Comprehensive Book on Scrupulosity.
McClendon, D. T. (October 27, 2020). Listen, Learn, & Love hosted by Richard Ostler, Episode 336: Dr. Debra Theobald McClendon, Scrupulosity Q&A.
McClendon, D. T. (October 13, 2020) Purpose Filled Life with Connie Sokol, PFL 132: Understanding Perfectionism and Religious Scrupulosity: An Interview with Dr. Debra McClendon
McClendon, D. T. (July 1, 2020). Scrupulosity--Obsessive-Compulsive Anxiety You May Mistake as Faith Crisis. LDS Living podcast on scrupulosity hosted by Morgan Jones (E87).
McClendon, D. T. (May 20, 2020). Purpose Filled Life with Connie Sokol hosted by Connie Sokol, PFL113: Positive Adjustments in the Next Phase of COVID-19 with Debra McClendon.
McClendon, D. T. (March 4, 2020). LDS Perspectives Podcast hosted by Laura Hales, Episode 120: Spiritual Anxiety with Debra Theobald McClendon.
McClendon, D. T. (February 3, 2020). Listen, Learn & Love hosted by Richard Ostler, Episode 231: Debra and Richard McClendon, Strong Marriages.
McClendon, D. T. (October 29, 2019). Listen, Learn, & Love hosted by Richard Ostler, Episode 191: Anxiety and Scrupulosity.
McClendon, D. T. (October 27, 2020). Listen, Learn, & Love hosted by Richard Ostler, Episode 336: Dr. Debra Theobald McClendon, Scrupulosity Q&A.
McClendon, D. T. (October 13, 2020) Purpose Filled Life with Connie Sokol, PFL 132: Understanding Perfectionism and Religious Scrupulosity: An Interview with Dr. Debra McClendon
McClendon, D. T. (July 1, 2020). Scrupulosity--Obsessive-Compulsive Anxiety You May Mistake as Faith Crisis. LDS Living podcast on scrupulosity hosted by Morgan Jones (E87).
McClendon, D. T. (May 20, 2020). Purpose Filled Life with Connie Sokol hosted by Connie Sokol, PFL113: Positive Adjustments in the Next Phase of COVID-19 with Debra McClendon.
McClendon, D. T. (March 4, 2020). LDS Perspectives Podcast hosted by Laura Hales, Episode 120: Spiritual Anxiety with Debra Theobald McClendon.
McClendon, D. T. (February 3, 2020). Listen, Learn & Love hosted by Richard Ostler, Episode 231: Debra and Richard McClendon, Strong Marriages.
McClendon, D. T. (October 29, 2019). Listen, Learn, & Love hosted by Richard Ostler, Episode 191: Anxiety and Scrupulosity.
MAGAZINE ARTICLES
McClendon, D. T. (November 14, 2022). 5 steps to calm your religious anxieties and find emotional freedom. LDS Living, online.
McClendon, D. T. (Jan/Feb, 2021). Faith Crisis or Anxiety? LDS Living, p. 42-29.
McClendon, D. T. (September 19, 2020). Anxiety and Belief: Practical tips to manage anxiety and allow you to explore your faith without fear. LDS Living, online.
McClendon, D. T. (September 12, 2020). Anxiety and Belief: Are you experiencing a faith crisis? Here's what may actually be playing a role. LDS Living, online.
McClendon, D. T. (September 5, 2020). Anxiety and Belief: 5 principles of faith to help you prevent your doubts from becoming a faith crisis. LDS Living, online.
McClendon, D. T. (September 2019). Understanding Scrupulosity (Religious OCD). Ensign, digital content only.
McClendon, D. T. (April 2019). Discerning Your Feelings: Anxiety or the Spirit? Ensign, digital content only.
McClendon, D. T. (Jan/Feb, 2021). Faith Crisis or Anxiety? LDS Living, p. 42-29.
McClendon, D. T. (September 19, 2020). Anxiety and Belief: Practical tips to manage anxiety and allow you to explore your faith without fear. LDS Living, online.
McClendon, D. T. (September 12, 2020). Anxiety and Belief: Are you experiencing a faith crisis? Here's what may actually be playing a role. LDS Living, online.
McClendon, D. T. (September 5, 2020). Anxiety and Belief: 5 principles of faith to help you prevent your doubts from becoming a faith crisis. LDS Living, online.
McClendon, D. T. (September 2019). Understanding Scrupulosity (Religious OCD). Ensign, digital content only.
McClendon, D. T. (April 2019). Discerning Your Feelings: Anxiety or the Spirit? Ensign, digital content only.
PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLES
McClendon, D. T. (2024, in press). Healing from Toxic Perfectionism. BYU Studies
Allen, G. E. K., Clayton, J., Moore, E., & McClendon, D. T. (2024, in press). Understanding Perfectionism. BYU Studies.
McClendon, D. T. (2021, June). A Church Educator's Guide to Identifying and Helping the Scrupulous Student. Religious Educator, 22 (2), 136-161.
McClendon, D. T., & McClendon, R., J. (2019). Bringing God into Marriage. Religious Educator. RE 20, no. 1 (2019).
Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., Yang, C. (2018, Dec). Cohesion in group therapy: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy: Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Relationships III, 55, 4, 384-398. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pst0000173
* * This paper was awarded the 2018 Award for "Most Valuable Paper on Group Psychotherapy" from the Journal of Contemporary
Psychotherapy. * *
Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., & Alonso, J. (2011). Cohesion in Group Therapy, Psychotherapy, 48, 34-42.
McClendon, D. T., Warren, J. S., Green, K. M., Burlingame, G. M., Eggett, D. L., & McClendon, R. J. (2011). Sensitivity to change of youth treatment outcome measures: A comparison of the CBLC, BASC-2 and Y-OQ. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67, 111-125.
Burlingame, G. M. & McClendon, D. T. (2008). [Review of the book Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Groups]. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 58, 133-136.
Allen, G. E. K., Clayton, J., Moore, E., & McClendon, D. T. (2024, in press). Understanding Perfectionism. BYU Studies.
McClendon, D. T. (2021, June). A Church Educator's Guide to Identifying and Helping the Scrupulous Student. Religious Educator, 22 (2), 136-161.
McClendon, D. T., & McClendon, R., J. (2019). Bringing God into Marriage. Religious Educator. RE 20, no. 1 (2019).
Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., Yang, C. (2018, Dec). Cohesion in group therapy: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy: Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Relationships III, 55, 4, 384-398. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pst0000173
* * This paper was awarded the 2018 Award for "Most Valuable Paper on Group Psychotherapy" from the Journal of Contemporary
Psychotherapy. * *
Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., & Alonso, J. (2011). Cohesion in Group Therapy, Psychotherapy, 48, 34-42.
McClendon, D. T., Warren, J. S., Green, K. M., Burlingame, G. M., Eggett, D. L., & McClendon, R. J. (2011). Sensitivity to change of youth treatment outcome measures: A comparison of the CBLC, BASC-2 and Y-OQ. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67, 111-125.
Burlingame, G. M. & McClendon, D. T. (2008). [Review of the book Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Groups]. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 58, 133-136.
BOOK CHAPTERS
Burlingame, G. M. & McClendon, D. T. (2010). Sensitivity Training Groups. In J. M. Levine and M. A. Hogg (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, Vol 2 (pp. 741-744). Sage Publications, Inc.
Burlingame, G. M. & McClendon, D. T. (2008). Group Psychotherapy. In J. Lebow (Ed.), Twenty-first century psychotherapies: Contemporary approaches to theory and practice (pp. 347-388). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., & Alonso, J. (2011). Cohesion in Group Therapy. In J. C. Norcross (Ed.), Psychotherapy relationships that work (2nd ed., pp. 110-131) New York: Oxford University Press.
Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., & Yang, C. (2019). Cohesion in Group Therapy. In J. C. Norcross & M. J. Lambert (Eds.), Psychotherapy relationships that work: Evidence-based therapist contributions (3rd ed., pp. 205-244). New York: Oxford University Press.
McClendon, D. T. & Burlingame, G. M. (2011). Has the magic of therapy disappeared?: Integrating evidence-based practice into therapist awareness and development. In R. H. Klein, H. S. Bernard, V. L. Schermer (Eds.), On becoming a psychotherapist: The personal and professional journey (pp. 190-211). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
McClendon, D. T. & Burlingame, G. M. (2011). Group Climate: Construct in Search of Clarity. In R. K. Conyne (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Group Counseling (pp. 164-181). New York: Oxford University Press.
McClendon, R. J. & McClendon, D. T. (2014). Commitment to the Covenant: LDS Marriage and Divorce. In B. L. Top & M. A. Goodman (Eds.), By Divine Design: Best Practices for Family Success and Happiness. Religious Studies Center & Deseret Book.
Burlingame, G. M. & McClendon, D. T. (2008). Group Psychotherapy. In J. Lebow (Ed.), Twenty-first century psychotherapies: Contemporary approaches to theory and practice (pp. 347-388). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., & Alonso, J. (2011). Cohesion in Group Therapy. In J. C. Norcross (Ed.), Psychotherapy relationships that work (2nd ed., pp. 110-131) New York: Oxford University Press.
Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., & Yang, C. (2019). Cohesion in Group Therapy. In J. C. Norcross & M. J. Lambert (Eds.), Psychotherapy relationships that work: Evidence-based therapist contributions (3rd ed., pp. 205-244). New York: Oxford University Press.
McClendon, D. T. & Burlingame, G. M. (2011). Has the magic of therapy disappeared?: Integrating evidence-based practice into therapist awareness and development. In R. H. Klein, H. S. Bernard, V. L. Schermer (Eds.), On becoming a psychotherapist: The personal and professional journey (pp. 190-211). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
McClendon, D. T. & Burlingame, G. M. (2011). Group Climate: Construct in Search of Clarity. In R. K. Conyne (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Group Counseling (pp. 164-181). New York: Oxford University Press.
McClendon, R. J. & McClendon, D. T. (2014). Commitment to the Covenant: LDS Marriage and Divorce. In B. L. Top & M. A. Goodman (Eds.), By Divine Design: Best Practices for Family Success and Happiness. Religious Studies Center & Deseret Book.
DISSERTATION
McClendon, D. T. (2009). Relative sensitivity to change of psychotherapy outcome measures for child and adolescent populations: A comparison using parent- and self-report versions of the CBCL/6-18, BASC-2, and Y-OQ-2.01. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 70 (6-B), 3824-3986; AAI3362641.