Repetitive behaviors are not an uncommon part of human experience, but not all repetitive actions serve the same purpose or carry the same meaning. Two types of behaviors that are often confused are ...

Repetition can be useful if you’re trying to memorize a poem, master a guitar riff, or just cultivate good habits. When this kind of behavior becomes compulsive, however, it can get in the way of ...

Our behavior is controlled through neural circuits in the brain. Molecular disturbances can lead to stereotypical behavior, as seen in neuropsychiatric disorders like obsessive-compulsive and autism ...

A tiger walks the same worn groove along the edge of its exhibit, like a broken record. A parrot methodically plucks out its own feathers until bare skin shows through. To a casual visitor, these can ...