Purging is ______ because it produces relief from anxiety over gaining weight.
A) classically conditioned
B) positively reinforced
C) modeled
D) negatively reinforced

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Purging is negatively reinforced because the behavior (vomiting, using laxatives, etc.) reduces the anxiety and distress associated with the fear of gaining weight. Negative reinforcement involves the removal or avoidance of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. In this case, the unpleasant stimulus is anxiety over weight gain, and purging is the behavior that helps remove or avoid it.

Purging Is ______ Because It Produces Relief from Anxiety Over