What are compulsions often triggered by?

Compulsions are often directly linked to obsessional thoughts, which are intrusive, unwanted thoughts or images that cause significant anxiety or distress. When an individual experiences these obsessional thoughts, they may engage in compulsive behaviors as a way to alleviate the anxiety or prevent a perceived negative outcome associated with those thoughts. For example, someone who has obsessive thoughts about contamination might engage in compulsive handwashing to reduce their anxiety about germs.

The other options may relate to anxiety or stressors in different contexts, but they do not specifically address the cause-and-effect relationship that exists between obsessional thoughts and compulsive behaviors. While a sudden change in mood, interaction with others, or a traumatic event can contribute to overall anxiety or stress levels, they are not the primary triggers for compulsions in the same targeted way that obsessional thoughts are. In clinical practice, treatment often focuses on addressing these obsessions to reduce the compulsive behaviors associated with them.