What is rigid behavior?

Rigid behavior is pattern of acting that is inflexible, unadaptable, and resistant to change, where person adheres strictly to routines, rules, or expectations even when situation calls for flexibility. Examples of rigid behavior include insisting on doing tasks only one specific way and becoming upset if routine is disrupted, refusing to consider alternative viewpoints or new ideas, following rules literally without considering context, difficulty transitioning between activities, need for sameness and predictability, and inability to compromise in conflicts. In children, rigid behavior may show as distress when plans change, insistence on wearing same clothes, or meltdowns when routine is altered. In adults, rigid behavior may show as perfectionism, strict adherence to schedules, unwillingness to delegate, and difficulty adapting to workplace changes. In psychology, rigid behavior is associated with obsessive compulsive traits, autism spectrum where need for sameness is common, and authoritarian personality. Rigid behavior can cause interpersonal conflict and stress because it limits adaptability and problem solving.