Definitions
- Referring to a sudden desire or urge to do something without much thought. - Talking about a spontaneous action or decision made on a whim. - Describing a natural or instinctive inclination towards a particular behavior or activity.
- Referring to an irresistible urge or drive to do something, often repeatedly. - Talking about a behavior or action that is difficult to control or stop. - Describing a feeling of being forced or obligated to do something against one's will.
List of Similarities
- 1Both involve a strong internal drive or urge.
- 2Both can lead to impulsive or irrational actions.
- 3Both can be difficult to resist or control.
- 4Both can have negative consequences if not managed properly.
What is the difference?
- 1Nature: Impulse is often a sudden and fleeting desire, while compulsion is a more persistent and long-lasting urge.
- 2Intensity: Compulsion is typically stronger and more difficult to resist than impulse.
- 3Control: Impulse can be more easily controlled or suppressed than compulsion.
- 4Consequences: Compulsion can have more severe and lasting negative consequences than impulse.
Remember this!
Impulse and compulsion both refer to strong internal drives or urges. However, the difference between them lies in their nature, intensity, control, consequences, and origin. Impulse is often a sudden and fleeting desire, while compulsion is a more persistent and long-lasting urge that can be difficult to resist or control. Compulsion can have more severe and lasting negative consequences than impulse, and may stem from anxiety, OCD, or other mental health conditions.
