Which of the following statements is true of behavior therapies?

• A. Behavior therapies focus on changing maladaptive behaviors through techniques such as reinforcement and exposure.
• B. Behavior therapies are based on the idea that thoughts, rather than behaviors, are the main cause of psychological problems.
• C. Behavior therapies primarily emphasize exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences.
• D. Behavior therapies rely mainly on medication to treat psychological disorders.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core principle of behavior therapies, which is that they focus on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states like thoughts or unconscious conflicts.
2. Step 2: Recognize that behavior therapies use techniques such as reinforcement (rewarding desired behaviors) and exposure (gradually facing feared situations) to change maladaptive behaviors.
3. Step 3: Compare the given statements to this principle: behavior therapies do not primarily focus on thoughts (which is more characteristic of cognitive therapies), nor do they emphasize unconscious conflicts or childhood experiences (which is typical of psychodynamic therapies).
4. Step 4: Note that behavior therapies do not rely mainly on medication; instead, they use behavioral techniques to modify behavior patterns.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement highlighting behavior therapies' focus on changing maladaptive behaviors through reinforcement and exposure is the true one.