What term is used to describe an irrational act that is often performed in response to an obsession?

The term that describes an irrational act performed in response to an obsession is compulsion. In psychology, a compulsion is a repetitive behavior or mental act, initiated to relieve the distress associated with obsessive thoughts. This relationship is most commonly depicted in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where individuals feel driven to engage in specific rituals or behaviors as a way of alleviating anxiety or fear caused by their obsessions.

Understanding the nature of compulsions emphasizes how they are not simply habits; rather, they are often linked to deeper emotional distress and a desire to control or mitigate unwanted intrusive thoughts. In contrast, impulse refers to a spontaneous urge that may not necessarily be related to any particular obsession, thought denotes an idea or mental image, and emotion refers to feelings such as sadness or happiness. Each of these terms captures different psychological phenomena, while compulsion specifically relates to actions taken to counteract obsessive fears or thoughts.