Compulsive behaviors are often self-destructive and can cause harm to a person’s health. It is important for people who struggle with compulsive behaviors to understand the benefits of these actions so they can make better decisions.
There are many potential reasons why someone may engage in compulsive behavior, but it seems that most compulsions have some type of benefit associated with them. Understanding the purpose behind these activities may help you decide whether or not you want to continue engaging in them.
For some people, compulsive behaviors may be a way to show care and love. If you feel like no one cares about you or is there for you, it can make sense that compulsively checking locks on doors five times before leaving the house might count as caring for yourself. It’s possible this activity feels good because it makes someone feel cared for when they otherwise don’t believe anyone does.
Some individuals engage in these types of behaviors out of fear and desperation. They are afraid something bad will happen if they don’t do things a certain way so they have an extreme need to ensure safety by engaging in rituals such as locking all doors every time they leave their home even though nothing bad has ever happened while not doing this ritual.
