Intrusive thoughts in a non-clinical adolescent population.

The frequency and pattern of intrusive thoughts reported by 279 adolescent school pupils and the relation of these to self-reported anxiety, depression and obsessional ritualisation are examined. Similarities in the frequency and processing of intrusive thoughts were identified between this group and previously studied adult populations. Self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression and obsessional ritualisation were associated with both discomfort and interference from intrusive thoughts. Factor analysis of the data produced a three-factor solution and the interpretation and implications of this result are discussed in terms of affectivity, ritualisation and superstitious or magical beliefs.