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?
A) cognitive
B) behavioral
C) sociocultural
D) psychoanalytic

Question

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?
A) cognitive
B) behavioral 
C) sociocultural
D) psychoanalytic

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The behavioral model of abnormality emphasizes the role of conditioning and learning in shaping behavior, including fears and phobias. In this case, Linda's fear of cats can be traced back to a specific incident of classical conditioning, where the cat jumping out of the closet became associated with fear and discomfort. This model does not consider unconscious conflicts or social factors, which are more relevant in other models of abnormality.

Linda Is Afraid of Cats Because, When She Was a Little