Compulsive hand washing often increases in frequency because it relieves feelings of anxiety. This best illustrates the impact of ________ on compulsive behaviors.

A) reinforcement
B) natural selection
C) observational learning
D) stimulus generalization

Compulsive Hand Washing

An obsessive-compulsive behavior characterized by frequent and excessive washing of hands, often driven by irrational fears of contamination.

Reinforcement

In psychology, a process by which a behavior is strengthened or increased in frequency by its consequences.

Anxiety

A psychiatric condition marked by intense anxiety, worry, or dread, severe enough to disrupt daily life functions.