In the context of obsessions and compulsions, hand-washing is to thoughts about germs as _____ is to _____.
A) a decrease in anxiety; an increase in anxiety
B) an increase in anxiety; a decrease in anxiety
C) covert conditioning; flooding
D) flooding; desensitization

Question

In the context of obsessions and compulsions, hand-washing is to thoughts about germs as _____ is to _____.
A) a decrease in anxiety; an increase in anxiety
B) an increase in anxiety; a decrease in anxiety
C) covert conditioning;  flooding
D) flooding; desensitization

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hand-washing is a compulsion that typically follows obsessive thoughts about germs, aiming to decrease anxiety caused by these thoughts. Thus, "a decrease in anxiety" is the goal of the compulsion, in response to "an increase in anxiety" triggered by the obsession.

In the Context of Obsessions and Compulsions, Hand-Washing Is to Thoughts