Final answer:
From a behavioral therapist's perspective, sickness behavior in somatic symptom disorders is explained as being reinforced by the sympathy and attention the individual receives. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to understanding the behavior associated with somatic symptom disorders from the perspective of a behavioral therapist. A behavioral therapist would explain the sickness behavior seen in somatic symptom disorders as a. being reinforced by the sympathy and attention he or she receives.
This is because behavioral therapy is grounded in the principle that behaviors are learned and continue when they are reinforced.
In the case of somatic symptom disorders, if an individual receives sympathy and attention for their sickness behavior, these responses can act as positive reinforcement, potentially leading the individual to exhibit the behavior more frequently.
The idea of reinforcement aligns with the association of rewards or consequences with specific behaviors, in line with the principles of operant conditioning.
Unlike approaches that may focus on underlying psychological conflicts or the symbolic significance of illness, behavioral therapists primarily concentrate on observable behaviors and the external stimuli that influence them. The correct option is a.