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An experimental analysis of obsessive-compulsive checking as avoidance behaviour.

Luis Valero Aguayo1, Félix Hurtado Melero, Aurora Gavino Lázaro

  • 1Universidad de Málaga.

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This study created repetitive checking behavior in participants by making tasks difficult. Checking behavior was reinforced by escaping these boring tasks, suggesting an avoidance function similar to obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD).

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Behavioral Science
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Explanatory models of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) suggest compulsive behaviors serve to avoid aversive situations.
  • Limited experimental research exists on the origins of repetitive behaviors.
  • This study aimed to experimentally induce repetitive checking behavior as an analogue for OCD-related behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the onset of repetitive checking behavior in a controlled experimental setting.
  • To explore the potential avoidance function of checking behavior.
  • To create an experimental analogue relevant to obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD).

Main Methods:

  • Employed an inter-group design with 48 university students randomly assigned to minimal, progressive, or maximum aversion levels in a visuo-spatial reasoning task.
  • Measured checking frequency using a semi-hidden chronometer.
  • Administered standardized questionnaires including TONI-2, STAI, MOCI, and YBOCS-SR.

Main Results:

  • Participants in the minimal and maximum difficulty groups exhibited significantly higher checking behavior frequencies compared to the progressive difficulty group.
  • Significant differences in checking behavior were observed between the minimal and progressive groups, and between the minimal and maximum groups.
  • No significant differences were found in other measured variables.

Conclusions:

  • Continuous checking behavior was reinforced by the temporary escape from aversive (boring) tasks.
  • Momentary relief from an aversive situation appears to explain the observed checking behavior.
  • This experimental setup serves as a valid analogue for understanding the avoidance function of checking behavior in conditions like OCD.