What does compulsion imply in a psychological context?

Compulsion, in a psychological context, specifically refers to a repetitive act that is performed almost automatically and without the individual's ability to control it. This often occurs in the presence of anxiety or distress, where the act serves as a way to reduce that distress or anxiety, even though the individual recognizes the irrational nature of the behavior. For example, someone might feel compelled to wash their hands repeatedly to alleviate fears of contamination, even if they understand logically that they are not dirty.

The essence of compulsion is its uncontrollable nature, which distinguishes it from mere habits or desires to change behavior. While a desire to change behavior may indicate some level of control or motivation, compulsion highlights a lack of control. Similarly, external pressure influencing behavior aligns more with coercion or social influence rather than true compulsion, while a feeling of reluctance pertains to ambivalence or resistance rather than to the enactment of an uncontrollable behavior.