Final answer:Behaviorists suggest that compulsive behavior is reinforced by the anxiety relief it provides, following principles of classical and operant conditioning.Explanation:According to behaviorist principles, particularly those related to operant conditioning, compulsive behavior is often reinforced because engaging in it reduces anxiety. This can be understood through the framework of classical conditioning as well. For instance, rats experience chronic anxiety in a lab where they have been shocked, leading to a conditioned fear response; similarly, humans develop anxieties due to various traumatic or stressful events. These conditions are then maintained because performing the compulsive acts brings about relief from the anxious thoughts, leading to a reduction in anxiety, which serves as a powerful reinforcer for the behavior.Essentially, behaviors that reduce discomfort or create feelings of safety are likely to be repeated due to the immediate relief they provide. This explains why the behaviorist answer to the question is that compulsive behaviors are reinforced because they provide relief from anxiety....

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