Automatization

Automatization describes when a skill, action, or behavior has been performed and practiced so much that it becomes automatic requiring little or no conscious effort. The process has become routine. For example, think of a sports skill such as spiking a volleyball or hitting a hockey puck. When first attempting one of these actions conscious thinking is required: body movement, hand placement, foot placement, execution, etc. After this skill has been practiced repeatedly eventually it will become second nature and require little or no conscious thought in order to complete the action. This is automatization. In regards to compulsive behaviors and thinking (symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder) automatization refers to individuals who obey and react to compulsive thoughts quickly, automatically, and without conscious thought.