Question

Which model emphasises that 'psychological disorders are the result of learning maladaptive ways of behaving'?

• A. Psychodynamic model
• B. Behavioural model
• C. Cognitive model
• D. Humanistic-existential model

Hint:

Associate a keyword with each model's explanation of disorders: Psychodynamic → Unconscious conflict. Behavioural → Learned behavior. Cognitive → Faulty thinking. Humanistic → Blocked growth.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Different psychological models offer different explanations for the causes of psychological disorders.

Psychodynamic model (Freud): Emphasizes unconscious conflicts, repressed urges, and early childhood experiences.
Behavioural model (Watson, Skinner): Focuses on observable behaviors and suggests that all behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through processes like classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and modelling.
Cognitive model (Beck, Ellis): Focuses on how distorted or irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes cause psychological distress.
Humanistic-existential model (Rogers, Maslow): Emphasizes the role of a person's choices, responsibility, and the search for meaning. Disorders arise when this potential for growth is blocked.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The key phrase in the question is "learning maladaptive ways of behaving." This is the central tenet of the behavioural model. For example, this model would explain a phobia as a learned fear response through classical conditioning. It views the disorder not as an illness, but as a learned behavior that can be unlearned.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The model that emphasizes learned maladaptive behaviors is the Behavioural model.