According to theories of health anxiety, the development of dysfunctional beliefs about illness leads an individual to:
A) doubt themselves.
B) lose confidence in the healthcare system.
C) develop attentional and interpretive biases.
D) develop traumatic memories.
E) develop healthy eating and fitness habits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Health anxiety is characterized by excessive worry and fear about having or developing a serious illness. According to cognitive-behavioral theories, the development of dysfunctional beliefs about illness (such as catastrophizing, overestimating the likelihood of illness, and underestimating one's ability to cope with illness) can lead to attentional and interpretive biases. These biases cause individuals to selectively attend to and interpret bodily sensations in a way that reinforces their health anxiety, leading to a self-perpetuating cycle of worry and distress.

According to Theories of Health Anxiety, the Development of Dysfunctional