Parvinder has been afraid of cats ever since she was badly scratched as a child. Now, whenever she sees a cat she panics but then when she avoids the cat she feels better. Her phobia was likely acquired through __________ and is maintained through __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parvinder's phobia was most likely acquired through classical conditioning, where the previously neutral stimulus of the cat became associated with the painful experience of being scratched. Her phobia is maintained through negative reinforcement, where avoiding the cat reduces her level of anxiety and provides relief.

Parvinder Has Been Afraid of Cats Ever Since She Was