Compulsivity

/ˌkɒmpʌlˈsɪvɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being driven to do something repeatedly, especially when you don't want to or can't stop.

Etymology

From 'compulsive' + suffix '-ity' (quality of). This noun form emerged in psychological literature in the 20th century to describe the measurable intensity of compulsive behavior patterns.

Kelly Says

Neuroscientists have discovered that people with high compulsivity show unusual patterns of brain activity in circuits related to habit formation—their brains literally get 'stuck' in loops, almost like a corrupted computer program replaying the same code.

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