Investigations concerning the description of a disorganization problem: What is concealed behind the phenomenon observed in so-called "messies"?

A problem with desorganisation is called being a messie by persons affected by this problem and means to suffer from extreme problems with the organis ation of space and time. Almost nothing is known about causes, manifestatio n and consequences of this phenomenon. The present two studies present a fi rst step to its exploration. Study 1 examines the relations of special prob lems of messies to variables like childhood experiences, specific thoughts and behavior and other emotional problems. Structural equation modeling sho ws that especially the subjective experience - special thoughts and feeling s - determines the typical behavior and suffering. The second study investi gates if Messies are more frequently depressive and suffer more frequently from an eating disorder. These hints from Study 1 are supported. In general , the results serve as a basis to generate further hypotheses.