Psychopathologies of freedom: the obsession or constriction of spontaneity

Abstract

From a socio-cognitive point of view obsessive-compulsive disorders are considered as a problem related to the formation of the epistemological criteria system. The diffidence on one’s own epistemological criteria gives rise to doubt and feelings of guilt about spontaneous impulses and emotional reactions. Therefore, one’s own way of thinking and deciding is subject to continous ruminations and doubts. As these internal criteria are not anymore a secure basis for a reasonable way to decide and act, the epistemological system looks for other external criteria, like superstitions and rituals, scientific or authoritarian principles and heteronomic rules as a guide to behave.