Background of the study
Obsession is a feeling or thought where a person has a persistent idea, image and desire.
Obsessions vary to power which the mind is able to work and distract a person, it possesses the
mind, thoughts, and feeds incessant worry and can take over a person’s life. It distracts a person
which results to lose hours in sleep and can cause unproductivity of a person. Also, obsession
can paralyze a person that can lead to compulsive behavior (Lancer, 2016). The indicator of
obsession can be determined by analyzing the id, ego, and superego (Freud, 1923). There are
forms of obsession; Obsessive Doubts, Obsessive thinking, Obsessive impulses, Obsessive fear,
and Obsessive image (Arthar, 1975).
The most common obsessions involve cleanliness of dirt and germs
(Obsessivecompulsive disorder-part I, 1998). A main reason for the obsessions is the doubt that
something has been done correctly (Battling persistent, 2005). People who suffer from
obsessions usually fear that something awful is about to happen to them or someone close to
them (Battling persistent, 2005). Individuals realize that the ideas and compulsions make no
sense and do not need to be continued; however, they are unable to control and dismiss them
(Spitzer & Heidelberg, 1997). Obsessions are usually relieved for a period of time by compulsive
acts, also known as rituals. They have to be performed according to rigid rules. Compulsions
include actions such as washing, checking actions repetitiously, straightening, hoarding, and
repetitious thoughts such as counting and prayer (Battling persistent, 2005).
In Asia, people are obsessing with all things beautiful. It was believed that being
attractive helps in life and career and beauty industries are focus on Asia. There are beauty
standards that people mostly perceive underage prefers looking attractive faces. American girls
do spend money on make-up and tanning instead of college tuition, British women running
marathons in full make-up, Indian women yearning for that elusive “fair” complexion or Chinese
parents gifting their children plastic surgery upon graduation, the obsession with beauty is all
consuming, all over the world (Madan, 2016).
In the Philippine setting, there are some Filipinos who are showing obsession on online
products for it is easy to access and not time consuming, in just one click, they can already place
their order. They cannot stop buying things online and they spend too much money to buy things
that are not needed, or they could rarely use. They feel guilty if ever they cannot afford to buy
products that they like because they are expensive, and which eventually affects their sleep
(Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, 2019). Obsessed in online shopping is considered a mental disorder
which is called as compulsive buying disorder (Banville, 2019).
With the foregoing literature, the researchers tend to relate this situation to obsession
manifested by Mathilde in the story, The Necklace. The character Mathilde feels guilty if she
cannot attain the things she wanted. She always wants his husband to buy her something for
every occasion. Also, to prove that Mathilde had a desire of being rich. The researchers aim to
provide some evidence of Mathilde’s strong desire of something that she could not have.
(1998). Obsessive-compulsive disorder-part I. Harvard Mental Health Letter, 16, 1- 4
(2005). Battling persistent unwanted thoughts and senselessly repeated actions. Harvard Mental
Health Letter, 22, 1-4.
Spitzer, M., & Heidelberg, U. (1997). The phenomenology of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
International Review of Psychiatry, 9(1), 7-14.
