Understanding Habitual Properties of Compulsivity Using Moment-to-Moment Experience Sampling In Daily Life

Barcelona, Spain · May 2026

Posters · Mental Health in Focus: Symptoms, Support & Intervention

Vanessa Teckentrup
Trinity College Dublin
Celine Fox
Trinity College Dublin
Kelly Donegan
Trinity College Dublin
Eoghan Gallagher
Trinity College Dublin
Anna Hanlon
Trinity College Dublin
Naomi Fineberg
University of Hertfordshire
Ilenia Pampaloni
South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust
Laura Berner
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Claire Gillan
School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin

Abstract

Common theories disagree whether compulsions are goal-oriented attempts to reduce distress or mainly urge-driven and habitual. Using ecological momentary assessment in N=180 diagnosed patients and individuals with self-reported compulsions across three behavior types, we find that urges, but not distressing thoughts, meet criteria for Granger-causing compulsive actions.

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Understanding Habitual Properties of Compulsivity Using Moment-to-Moment Experience Sampling In Daily Life

Abstract

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