Linda is afraid of cats because when she was a little girl a cat scared her by jumping out of her closet and onto her face. As a result of this experience, Linda learned to be afraid of cats. Which model of abnormality offers the best explanation of Linda's fear?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The behavioral model suggests that abnormal behavior is learned through conditioning and reinforcement. In Linda's case, she learned to be afraid of cats due to her traumatic experience with the cat jumping out of the closet. This fear was likely reinforced by avoiding cats and being praised or comforted for avoiding them. Therefore, the behavioral model offers the best explanation for Linda's fear of cats.

Linda Is Afraid of Cats Because When She Was a Little