Which psychological perspective is most likely to study intrusive thoughts, such as those that become stuck in one's mind?

• A. Behavioral perspective
• B. Humanistic perspective
• C. Psychodynamic perspective
• D. Cognitive perspective

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of intrusive thoughts, which are repetitive, unwanted thoughts that can become stuck in a person's mind, often causing distress.
2. Step 2: Review the main focus of each psychological perspective: the Behavioral perspective studies observable behaviors and their learning processes; the Humanistic perspective emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization; the Psychodynamic perspective explores unconscious conflicts and early experiences; the Cognitive perspective examines mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving.
3. Step 3: Recognize that intrusive thoughts involve patterns of thinking and mental processes, which are central to the Cognitive perspective.
4. Step 4: Identify that the Cognitive perspective is most likely to study intrusive thoughts because it focuses on how people perceive, interpret, and mentally process information, including unwanted or repetitive thoughts.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the given options, the Cognitive perspective best explains the study of intrusive thoughts due to its emphasis on internal mental processes.