Scrupulosity is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that can often center on fears of sin, guilt, or offending God. Individuals with scrupulosity often experience overwhelming doubts about whether they have sinned and/or whether their Confessions were valid. They may compulsively and excessively repeat prayers, Confession, and seek constant reassurance from clergy or loved ones.
The Catholic Church teaches that a well-formed conscience is meant to guide us toward God’s truth with freedom and peace. However, OCD distorts this process. Instead of leading to trust in God’s mercy, scrupulosity creates fear, paralysis, and spiritual exhaustion. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that faith involves trust and not relentless checking, reassurance-seeking, or the compulsive repeating of behaviors.
Treatment for scrupulosity integrates empirically supported methods such as cognitive therapy and exposure with response prevention (ERP). For example, therapy may involve gradually resisting the urge to repeat prayers until they feel “perfect.” Over time, ERP can help those with OCD understand that their prayers are heard even when they do not feel certain. Cognitive therapy can help challenge distorted beliefs, such as “If I do not confess this again, I will be condemned.”
Treating scrupulosity is not about lessening devotion but about restoring it to its proper place. Therapy can help individuals move from engaging in fear-driven rituals to developing a genuine and healthy spiritual life – marked by trust in God’s love and mercy. With treatment, many individuals with OCD can learn strategies to approach the sacraments more freely and thereby deepen their relationship with Christ.