Any insights on constipation obsession?

I've encountered this with my dad; even with mild cognitive decline, he can't remember that he's already had a successful movement, and starts looking for the stool softener. This happens periodically.

I would try citrucel (not metamucil which is a similar fiber but ferments differently in the gut and causes gas with consequent explosive stools at times) one daily. Start slow with only 1/2 teaspoon in water. This often promotes a good stool with a mucilagenous coating that helps with passage.