Needs and Fantasies As the Origins of Obsessive Thinking

Psychological needs (Deci & Ryan, 2011) can function as motivators of behavior (Sheldon & Gunz, 2009). We found that arousing a relatedness need and then inducing imagined need-frustration (via negative fantasies) increases obsessive thinking about a romantic partner (Experiments 1 & 2) and subsequent romantic stalking intentions (Experiment 2).