By completing rituals, individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder believe they can neutralize the threat of something bad. This behavior is maintained through which of the following behavioral mechanisms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Negative reinforcement occurs when the removal or avoidance of an aversive stimulus leads to an increase in the behavior. In this case, completing the rituals is negatively reinforcing because it temporarily reduces anxiety or discomfort. This reinforces the behavior and increases the likelihood of repeating it in the future.

By Completing Rituals, Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Believe They Can