Final answer:
The correct components of the A-B-C theory of personality are 'd. activating event, belief, consequence'. This reflects the social-cognitive perspective, which includes cognition as a critical element in personality development along with behaviors and environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct components of the A-B-C theory of personality are d. activating event, belief, consequence. This theory is strongly associated with Albert Bandura's social-cognitive theory, which emphasizes how our cognitive processes, behaviors, and the context (or environment) interact with one another in shaping personality. These components refer to the process where an activating event triggers a belief, which in turn leads to a consequence.
Bandura's theory goes beyond B.F. Skinner's behaviorist view by incorporating cognitive elements. While Skinner focused on reinforcement and punishment as keys to shaping personality, Bandura highlighted the role of beliefs (cognitions) and the context in influencing and being influenced by our behaviors. Thus, an activating event leads to certain beliefs, informing how we act, which then yields certain consequences that further shape our personality.