Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: People with bulimia nervosa try to compensate or undo its effects by vomiting or using laxatives.
Reason R: Compensatory behaviours temporarily relieve uncomfortable feeling of fullness, anxiety and disgust.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

In learning theory, the removal of an unpleasant stimulus (fullness, anxiety) is called negative reinforcement. Purging in Bulimia Nervosa is heavily maintained by this rapid relief.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks us to evaluate the behavioral and psychological mechanisms that reinforce the purging habits of individuals diagnosed with Bulimia Nervosa.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Assertion A states that people with Bulimia Nervosa attempt to compensate for binging episodes by engaging in purging behaviors like self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives. This is a true statement.

• Bulimia Nervosa is clinically defined by a repetitive cycle of out-of-control binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors designed to prevent weight gain.

• Reason R explains the psychological reinforcement behind these purging behaviors, stating that they temporarily relieve uncomfortable physical feelings of fullness, as well as mental anxiety and self-disgust. This is also true.

• Binging generates intense feelings of guilt, panic about weight gain, and physical pain.

• When the individual purges, these highly uncomfortable emotions and physical sensations are immediately reduced, which acts as a powerful source of negative reinforcement.

• This negative reinforcement loop makes the purging cycle highly addictive and self-perpetuating, explaining why individuals perform compensatory behaviors.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Assertion A and Reason R are correct, and Reason R explains the negative reinforcement mechanism that drives the compensatory behaviors in Assertion A.