Don Has a Cleanliness Obsession That Revolves Around a Fear

question 18

Multiple Choice

Don has a cleanliness obsession that revolves around a fear of dirt and germs.His compulsion involves hand washing.If he believes he has touched something unclean,he will wash his hands until they are raw.In treatment for his disorder,Don is asked to touch all the doorknobs in his therapist's office building and then is told that he cannot wash his hands.He and the therapist then sit together while Don tries to relax and overcome his feelings of extreme discomfort.This treatment:

• A) is unethical and would not be used today.
• B) has been shown to be ineffective and may even cause worsening of symptoms.
• C) is an appropriate therapy based on extinguishing a conditioned response.
• D) is less effective than tranquilizers in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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Definitions:

Hispanic Male

A male individual who identifies culturally or ethnically with a Spanish-speaking background, often related to countries from Latin America or Spain.

European American

A term referring to Americans of European descent, often used in the context of ethnic and cultural identity.

Greatest Risk

The highest level of risk or potential for harm or adverse effects in a given situation or for a specific condition.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

An approach to psychological healing that focuses on improving mood and behavior by altering maladaptive thoughts, emotions, and actions.