Ten-year-old Rohan became afraid of dogs after a dog bit him. His psychologist explains that the fear was acquired because the sight of a dog repeatedly came together with pain, and that what has been acquired in this way can be removed in the same way. Which model of abnormal behaviour is the psychologist using?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Behavioural model
Option (1) Psychodynamic model — Incorrect. The psychodynamic model sees abnormal behaviour as a <strong>symbolic expression of unconscious mental conflicts</strong> from early childhood. The psychologist here speaks of a link between dogs and pain.
Option (2) Biological model — Incorrect. The biological model gives abnormal behaviour a <strong>biochemical or physiological basis</strong>, such as faulty neuro-transmitters or genes. Nothing about Rohan's body is used to explain his fear.
Option (3) Cognitive model — Incorrect. The cognitive model, another psychological model, looks at a person's thoughts and beliefs. The psychologist explains the fear by repeated pairing of events.
Option (4) Behavioural model — Correct. The behavioural model holds that normal and abnormal behaviours are <strong>learned through conditioning</strong> and <strong>what has been learned can be unlearned</strong>. Dogs and pain occurring together is classical conditioning.
NCERT (2026-27): “FACTORS UNDERLYING ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR … |