Printed in the United Kingdom doi:10.1017/S1352465807003931 Fight Fire with Fireflies! Association Splitting: A Novel Cognitive Technique to Reduce Obsessive Thoughts

Abstract. A novel cognitive technique, termed “association splitting”, aimed at reducing obsessive thoughts, is introduced. Association splitting draws upon the so-called “fan effect” of associative priming. Transposing this principle to the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), we hypothesized that the sprouting of new and the strengthening of existing neutral associations to core OCD cognitions will reduce their fear-evoking properties by depriving the chain of OCD-related cognitions of associative strength. To test the feasibility and efficacy of this approach, an internet intervention study was implemented. Initially, 38 subjects with OCD obsessions took part in an assessment. After completion of the survey they were then sent a self-help manual. Three weeks later, participants were re-contacted. One-third of the participants responded to the treatment (at least 35 % decline on the Y-BOCS scale). The completer analysis revealed a response rate of 42%. It is suggested that association splitting may lead to symptom relief in a subgroup of participants and may represent a useful addition to the tool box of cognitive-behavioural techniques