What is a compulsion in the context of OCD?

In the context of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a compulsion is defined as a repetitive and time-consuming behavior that an individual feels compelled to perform in response to an obsessive thought or an internal drive. This behavior is typically aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing a feared event, even if the actions are not realistically connected to the event's prevention.

For example, someone may feel compelled to wash their hands repeatedly due to obsessive thoughts about germs, believing that this behavior will keep them safe. This understanding highlights how compulsions are not merely habits but are directly linked to the intrusive thoughts that characterize obsessive thinking, driving the need for the action.

The other options reflect different psychological concepts but do not accurately define a compulsion in the context of OCD. Spontaneous thoughts pertain to the obsessions rather than the compulsions, emotional responses can accompany the anxiety of OCD but do not capture the nature of compulsive actions, and strategies to avoid social situations relate more to social anxiety or phobias rather than the compulsive behaviors observed in OCD.