When Mark Goes to Give Sven a Congratulatory Pat on the Back

question 63

Multiple Choice

When Mark goes to give Sven a congratulatory pat on the back after a job well done, he jumps and turns away. Mark has just read Chapter 1 and fancies himself something of a Gestalt psychologist. What is he likely to think about Sven's behavior?

• A) "Sven must have been abused as a child."
• B) "What's his problem? A pat on the back is a reinforcer."
• C) "Sven must have interpreted my gesture differently than I intended."
• D) "Sven must have low self-esteem."

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Definitions:

Chronic Pain

Persistent pain that lasts longer than the usual course of acute illness or injury or for more than three to six months, often affecting an individual's well-being and daily activities.

Wilbert Fordyce

A key figure in the development of behavioral approaches to pain management and rehabilitation.

Behavior Modification

The use of empirically demonstrated behavior change techniques to improve behaviors, often through the application of learning theory principles.

Pain Traps

Situations or mental patterns that can exacerbate or prolong the experience of pain, often due to psychological or lifestyle factors.