Which term describes a compulsive behavior that a child might display to reduce anxiety?

Which term describes a compulsive behavior that a child might display to reduce anxiety?

• A. Habit
• B. Ritual
• C. Compulsion
• D. Routine

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is a compulsion: a child is driven to perform a repetitive behavior in an attempt to relieve anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts or fears. This isn’t just a habit or a normal routine—it’s a distress-driven act that the child feels compelled to carry out to reduce worry. For example, repeatedly washing hands or checking doors to feel safer. A habit is simply a learned, automatic action, and a routine is a regular sequence of activities without the pressure or relief-seeking aspect. A ritual can involve repeating actions, but the defining feature of a compulsion is the urgent urge to perform the act to lessen distress, even if the behavior isn’t realistically connected to preventing what’s feared.

The main idea here is a compulsion: a child is driven to perform a repetitive behavior in an attempt to relieve anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts or fears. This isn’t just a habit or a normal routine—it’s a distress-driven act that the child feels compelled to carry out to reduce worry. For example, repeatedly washing hands or checking doors to feel safer. A habit is simply a learned, automatic action, and a routine is a regular sequence of activities without the pressure or relief-seeking aspect. A ritual can involve repeating actions, but the defining feature of a compulsion is the urgent urge to perform the act to lessen distress, even if the behavior isn’t realistically connected to preventing what’s feared.