Short-term functions and long-term consequences of checking behavior as a transdiagnostic phenomenon: protocol for a systematic review

Introduction Checking behaviour (CB) occurs in various mental health problems. Cognitive-behavioural models for these mental disorders share similar theoretical assumptions. Thus, they postulate a negative reinforcing effect of CB by reducing negative affect (ie, anxiety) and a maintenance of the pathology due to a lack of reality testing of concerns. This paper details methods for a systematic review that will be conducted to synthesise empirical evidence testing these theoretical assumptions across obsessive–compulsive, generalised anxiety, eating, body dysmorphic and illness anxiety disorder. The results are expected to foster our understanding of the mechanisms of action underlying CB, which is of high clinical relevance. Depending on whether or not the findings confirm the model assumptions regarding CB, the focus of treatments would need to be intensified or modified.Methods and analysis We will search PsycINFO, PubMed, PSYNDEX and Scopus for studies investigating the emotional state in which CB is being used as well as the immediate and longer-term effects of CB on cognitive and emotional measures in clinical and analogue samples. The selection process, data extraction and quality assessment of included studies will be performed by two independent reviewers. In the case of inconsistencies, a third reviewer will be involved. Study results will be reported in a narrative synthesis.Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval will not be required as this is a protocol for systematic review. The results are mainly disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.PROSPERO registration number CRD42021238835.