The learning theory of OCD can be illustrated with a scenario involving a fear of germs. Initially, a doorknob is a neutral stimulus. If this doorknob becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus like germs or disease, which naturally cause a fear response, the doorknob itself becomes a conditioned stimulus. Consequently, encountering a doorknob triggers a conditioned response of anxiety and obsessive thoughts about contamination. To reduce this anxiety, the individual might perform a compulsive behavior, such as excessive hand-washing. This behavior is negatively reinforced because it removes the unpleasant feeling of anxiety, making the compulsion more likely to be repeated in the future.