TITLE:
A Qualitative Method Exploration of OCD Symptoms among Patients in China
AUTHORS:
Zi’an Zhu
KEYWORDS:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), China, Qualitative Research, Cultural Identity, Stigma
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Applied Sociology,
Vol.15 No.10,
October
22,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study explores the lived experiences of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in the Chinese sociocultural context. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)—based on in-depth interviews with twelve participants—the research identifies how cultural values, stigma, and familial expectations shape patients’ intrusive thoughts, coping strategies, and perceptions of self. Findings reveal that, while symptoms mirror internationally recognized OCD features, cultural dynamics—such as collectivism, Confucian moral codes, and limited mental health literacy—significantly influence help-seeking behaviors and self-understanding. The analysis underlines the importance of social support networks, and the ambivalence of online platforms in offering both empowerment and reinforcement of stigma. The study contributes theoretically—by integrating cultural identity perspectives into OCD research—and practically, by emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive interventions in clinical practice. Directions for future research include expanding sample diversity, cross-cultural comparisons, and longitudinal designs.