The Literature Review
The Literature Review
The Literature Review
Some believe that compulsions are actually learned responses that help
an individual reduce or prevent anxiety or discomfort associated with
obsessions or urges. Making up rules or rituals to follow may help control
anxiety when having obsessive thoughts. However when performing the
behaviors or rituals, the subject may feel brief relief from the anxiety. “
You may try to ignore or stop your obsessions, but that only increases
your distress and anxiety” (mayoclinic.org). Some misconceptions on
Obsessive-compulsive disorder are “ OCD is not a personality quirk or a
character trait -- it is a very real mental health condition that affects
about 2 to 3 million adults, and half a million youth, in the US alone”
(iocdf.org).
However not everyone has it. That cleaning isn’t the only Obsessive-
compulsive disorder. Fear of germs or contamination, Unwanted
forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm, Aggressive
thoughts towards others self and or having things symmetrical or in a
perfect order. The causes of Obsessive-compulsive disorder may not be
fully understood yet but there are some theories on what causes this
disorder. Needing things orderly and symmetrical, aggressive or horrific
thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others. Unwanted
thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects.
There is also touching and ritual that is often associated with Obsessive-
compulsive disorder, which is the one of the lesser-known groups of
symptoms that is ritualized touching, tapping, and movement. Are
learned behavior which causes them to become receptive in daily life.
Example would be knocking on wood to unjinx something said or having
any bad thoughts go away, then repeating it throughout life being
terrified if not done then something bad will happen. One of the main
reasons is behavior that sticks with the subject. “Learning theorists, for
example, suggest that behavioral conditioning may contribute to the
development and maintenance of obsessions and compulsions”
(beyondocd.org) While the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder are
not fully understood, there are both genetic and environmental risk
factors. Some may have a parent, and or sibling are at greater risk of
having it themselves.