Resulting from or relating to an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way. Characterized by compulsion or being done against one's conscious wishes.
From Latin compulsus, past participle of compellere 'to drive together, compel'. The psychological sense developed in the 20th century with advances in understanding mental health conditions like OCD.
Compulsive behavior reveals the fascinating tension between conscious will and unconscious drives in human psychology. What makes someone a 'compulsive liar' or 'compulsive shopper' taps into deep questions about free will and the nature of self-control.
Pathologized in women as hysteria or obsession; men's compulsive behaviors were often normalized as 'driven' or 'passionate.' Gendered diagnosis and stigma persist in psychology.
Use clinically without gendered language suggesting one gender is more prone to compulsion. Apply diagnostic standards equally.
["repetitive","obsessive","driven","habitual"]
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