Question

Which of the following is TRUE of the potential explanations of anxiety disorders according to the various perspectives employed by psychologists?

a. According to the psychodynamic perspective, anxiety disorders reflect the unrealistic perception of threats in the environment.
b. According to the cognitive perspective, people's maladaptive thoughts about the world are at the root of an anxiety disorder.
c. According to the behavioral perspective, a person's characteristic level of anxiety is related to a specific gene involved in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
d. According to the genetic perspective, an overactive autonomic nervous system is at the root of panic attacks.

Answer 1

The correct explanation for anxiety disorders, according to the cognitive perspective, is that they are caused by people's maladaptive thoughts and cognitive distortions, not by genetic factors or an overactive autonomic nervous system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the potential explanations of anxiety disorders from various psychological perspectives. From the provided options, the correct statement is:

b. According to the cognitive perspective, people's maladaptive thoughts about the world are at the root of an anxiety disorder.

This perspective suggests that anxiety disorders arise due to negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions that lead to chronic worry and apprehension. For example, a person might overestimate danger or underestimate their ability to cope, which contributes to persistent anxiety. On the other hand, the psychodynamic perspective would focus on underlying conflict, not unrealistic perceptions of threats. The behavioral perspective attributes anxiety to learned associations and reinforcement rather than genetic factors linked to serotonin. Lastly, the genetic perspective would look at the role of heritability and genetic predispositions, not necessarily an overactive autonomic nervous system.