Nestor's mom frequently physically abuses him.Now,Nestor is showing behavior problems at school.When he's interviewed by the school counselor he says,"The other kids are always trying to start something." His teacher agrees to keep an eye on it.She doesn't notice the other students behaving in a particularly cruel or ostracizing way toward Nestor.Which of the following likely best explains Nestor's perception?
A) social modeling from his mom's aggressive behavior
B) hostile attributional bias
C) deficits in social problem-solving
D) deficits carrying through on optimal action plans

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nestor's perception of the other students as always trying to start something may be due to a hostile attributional bias, where he interprets neutral or ambiguous social interactions from others as intentionally harmful. This bias may stem from his experiences of physical abuse at home, which make him more likely to perceive hostility and aggression in others.

Nestor's Mom Frequently Physically Abuses Him