Scrupulosity is not making you holier, it is only making you more unhappy

Jan 24

Have you ever had a rock in your shoe? It’s not always intensely painful, but it can really wear down your patience. That’s a lot what dealing with scrupulosity is like.

The term "scrupulosity" comes from the Latin word scrupulum, meaning "a small, sharp stone"—an apt metaphor for the way this condition feels: a persistent, invasive anxiety that feels almost impossible to shake off.

Psychologically, scrupulosity is considered a subtype of OCD. This condition is characterized by the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts that provoke anxiety, while compulsions are actions or mental rituals aimed at reducing that anxiety. For someone with scrupulosity, the obsessions usually center around religious or moral fears, while the compulsions may involve behaviors like excessive praying or seeking constant reassurance from religious leaders.

For many, scrupulosity isn’t just about fear of offending God—it’s also about deep concern for one's spiritual reputation. Even saints have struggled with these feelings. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, for example, experienced extreme anxiety about offending God and sought constant reassurance and engaged in intense penitential practices. Although she overcame these struggles, her experience highlights how even the holiest individuals can wrestle with scrupulosity, leading to emotional and spiritual turmoil.

Interestingly, scrupulosity doesn’t always stem from religious backgrounds. Research shows that 20% of those with scrupulosity do not identify with any religious faith, showing that this condition transcends belief systems.

On a spiritual level, understanding the difference between temptation and sin is essential. Many with scrupulosity mistakenly equate having a sinful thought with actually committing a sin.

On a mental level, it’s important to know that this condition can be healed! With the proper approach to your mental health, you can begin to earn back the sense of freedom you have as a disciple of Christ.

Scrupulosity is a mental health issue that profoundly impacts a person’s spiritual and emotional life. While it may originate from a place of devotion, it can lead to significant distress. However, with the right treatment and understanding, it is possible to break free from the cycle of obsession and compulsion. If you or someone you know is struggling with scrupulosity, seeking therapy and spiritual support is essential. There is hope for recovery, and a healthier relationship with both faith and mental well-being is achievable.

OCDScrupulousitySinAnxiety

Jacob Frazier

Jacob Frazier, LMHC, MA, NCC, is a mental health counselor with Archangel Catholic.

Jacob holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University. As a mental health counselor, Jacob has a passion for facilitating personal and interpersonal development, vocational/career discernment, and helping people apply their strengths and Catholic faith to the challenges of daily living.

Jacob has extensive clinical history of assessing and working with clients experiencing emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, struggling with relationships and commitment, facing addictions, and struggling with trauma.

Jacob is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, which he used on a treatment team that served individuals with moderate to severe diagnoses. Jacob is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) centered on posttraumatic stress related to abuse, neglect, and other traumatic life experiences. He also has an interest in helping men foster a healthy understanding of masculinity and assist in cultivating virtue.