David washes his hands at least 50 times a day, even though his hands are rarely dirty. David's behaviour is an example of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

David's behavior is consistent with a compulsion, defined as a repetitive behavior or mental act aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared outcome. In this case, David's compulsive hand washing is likely driven by anxiety or a fear of contamination. Obsessions involve intrusive thoughts, and a phobia is an excessive or irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Delusions involve fixed false beliefs that are not based in reality.

David Washes His Hands at Least 50 Times a Day