Prof. Frederike Petzschner | Control and Compulsive Behavior

Compulsive behavior is a common feature of both OCD and pathological gambling, despite their differing motivational contexts. This talk will explore the role of control and agency in the onset and perpetuation of compulsions in these two conditions. Specifically, I will examine how a single belief disturbance, such as a lack of trust in one's avoidance actions or an illusion of control, can trigger and maintain compulsions. Using computational models of cognition in conjunction with empirical data, I will demonstrate the direct link between this disturbance and the severity of compulsions. Overall, this talk will shed light on the importance of control and agency in understanding and treating compulsive behaviors across different contexts.