According to the sociocultural model, who is most likely to develop generalized anxiety disorder?

• A. A person with a genetic predisposition but strong social support
• B. Someone who has recently recovered from a physical illness
• C. An individual experiencing chronic stress due to poverty and social instability
• D. An individual with no history of stress or social challenges

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the sociocultural model in psychology emphasizes the influence of social and cultural factors on the development of mental disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
2. Identify key sociocultural risk factors for GAD, such as chronic stress, poverty, social instability, and lack of social support, which can increase vulnerability to anxiety.
3. Compare the options by evaluating which scenario involves significant sociocultural stressors: genetic predisposition alone is a biological factor, while recovery from illness is a physical health factor.
4. Recognize that an individual experiencing chronic stress due to poverty and social instability fits the sociocultural model's criteria for higher risk of developing GAD.
5. Conclude that the sociocultural model predicts that those facing ongoing social and economic hardships are most likely to develop generalized anxiety disorder.