Which statement best represents behavior therapies?

• A. They primarily aim to change irrational thoughts and beliefs.
• B. They emphasize exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences.
• C. They rely on medication to treat psychological disorders.
• D. They focus on modifying maladaptive behaviors through techniques such as reinforcement and exposure.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that behavior therapies are a category of psychological treatments that focus on observable behaviors rather than internal thoughts or unconscious processes.
2. Recognize that behavior therapies use principles of learning theory, such as classical and operant conditioning, to modify maladaptive behaviors.
3. Identify common techniques used in behavior therapies, including reinforcement (rewarding desired behaviors) and exposure (gradually confronting feared stimuli to reduce anxiety).
4. Differentiate behavior therapies from cognitive therapies, which primarily target irrational thoughts and beliefs, and from psychodynamic therapies, which explore unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences.
5. Note that behavior therapies typically do not rely on medication but instead use behavioral interventions to bring about change.