David washes his hands excessively, even when his hands are not dirty. Ellen checks that all burners on the stove are turned off at least five times before she goes to bed, whenever she is ready to leave the house, and when she first wakes up in the morning. David's behavior BEST illustrates a(n) and Ellen's behavior BEST illustrates a(n) .

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David washes his hands excessively, even when his hands are not dirty. Ellen checks that all burners on the stove are turned off at least five times before she goes to bed, whenever she is ready to leave the house, and when she first wakes up in the morning. David's behavior BEST illustrates a(n) and Ellen's behavior BEST illustrates a(n) .

A. obsession; obsession

B. obsession; compulsion

C. compulsion; compulsion

D. compulsion; obsession

The best answer is letter C. compulsion; compulsion

Explanation:

Both David and Ellen are displaying compulsion, a repetitive behavior that is performed to respond to an urge, so as to lower the person's distress. Such behaviors are performed according to rituals and rules. Ellen, for instance, checks the burners five times. If she checks them only 4 times, she will feel the urge to go check them again, otherwise she will be worried and anxious about them.

An obsession, on the other hand, is an intrusive thought or image that repetitively comes to a person's mind, causing distress. An obsession may lead to a compulsion. We cannot say David or Ellen are displaying obsession since we were not provided with their thoughts or the reason behind their compulsive behaviors.

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