Stefan is a bank executive who has intrusive thoughts throughout the day about germs and contamination. He constantly worries he will become sick and die from the germs. He has to interrupt important business meetings to wash his hands and refuses to shake hands with anyone. The thoughts have been a persistent problem for him for 10 years. Stefan's thoughts would be considered .

obsessions

Explanation:

Obsessions can be described as consistent and uncontrollable thoughts that preoccupies the mind of an individual, which occurs over a long time and keeps reoccurring. These unwanted thoughts that keeps reoccurring over time can disrupt the daily activities of an individual, and mostly causes anxiety and distress to the individual having it. An individual having obsessions usually engages in behaviors such as compulsive behaviors to relieve the distress.

Stefan's thoughts as described in the question can be considered obsessions.

i disagree that there is little difference between adult female development and adult male development. sociological studies comparing female and male pathways to adulthood, revelead that there are sustancial differences between them. particularly, female and male differ from timing of marriage, when they began to live with children and the likelihood of combining wife/husband and parent roles.