When driving, Paula must constantly tap her fingers on the steering wheel and silently recite the alphabet to herself in order to divert her thoughts away from stopping the car to check and make sure she hasn't run someone over. Paula's repetitive tapping and reciting reflect the concept of a/an:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paula's repetitive behavior, which serves to alleviate anxiety related to a specific worry or fear (in this case, running someone over), is indicative of a compulsive tendency. Compulsions are often part of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is characterized by persistent, distressing, and intrusive thoughts or urges (obsessions), as well as repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety or distress associated with those thoughts.

When Driving, Paula Must Constantly Tap Her Fingers on the Steering