A Psychologist Discusses a Patient with Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis)

question 81

Multiple Choice

A psychologist discusses a patient with illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) this way: "She focuses on her health so that she can be protected from the anxiety her underlying conflicts cause. Then, when she is shown attention and sympathy, her dependency needs are met." This psychologist ____.

• A) probably agrees with the behavioral perspective
• B) takes a diathesis-stress approach to illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
• C) is discussing primary and secondary gain
• D) probably rejects the psychoanalytic perspective

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Definitions:

Peripheral Route Persuasion

Occurs when people are influenced by incidental cues, such as a speaker’s attractiveness.

Cognitive Dissonance

A psychological phenomenon where an individual experiences discomfort due to holding contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time.

Attribution

The process of explaining one's own or others' behaviors and events by attributing causes to them.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency for observers, when analyzing others’ behavior, to underestimate the impact of the situation and to overestimate the impact of personal disposition.