When explaining the cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a psychologist who supports a cognitive-behavioral approach would be likely to make which statement?
A) "Excessive use of defense mechanisms helps the person redirect his or her unacceptable impulses into more acceptable behaviors."
B) "Thoughts and actions that reduce anxiety are done repetitively."
C) "Some individuals' personalities need high levels of autonomic nervous system arousal, and repetitive thoughts and behaviors satisfy that need."
D) "Certain thoughts and actions are the result of abnormal activity in particular brain centers."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A cognitive-behavioral approach to explaining obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) focuses on how certain thoughts and behaviors that initially reduce anxiety become repetitive because the reduction in anxiety reinforces the behavior, making it more likely to occur again. This explanation aligns with choice B, which emphasizes the role of thoughts and actions in reducing anxiety through repetition.

When Explaining the Cause of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, a Psychologist Who