Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which theorists believed that anxiety and psychological disturbances are learned from experiences?

1. John Dollard and Neal Miller

2. Joseph Wolpe

3. Judith Herman

4. Lawrence Kohlberg

The correct answer is: John Dollard and Neal Miller

John Dollard and Neal Miller are known for their work in social learning theory, particularly emphasizing how behaviors, including anxiety and psychological disturbances, can be learned through experiences. They proposed that behaviors are reinforced and shaped through interactions with the environment and social contexts, highlighting the significance of learned responses to stimuli. Their framework integrates elements of behaviorism, showing how past experiences can condition individuals to react to similar situations with anxiety or other disturbances. This perspective on learning aligns with the idea that psychological issues are not solely intrinsic or biologically based; instead, they are significantly influenced by external experiences and observations. This understanding is essential in counseling as it helps practitioners recognize that individuals can develop coping mechanisms or maladaptive responses based on their historical interactions and experiences. Other theorists listed may contribute valuable insights into understanding psychological conditions, but they focus on different aspects of psychological development or disorders rather than primarily on the concept of learned experiences leading to anxiety and disturbances. This makes Dollard and Miller's contribution particularly relevant for this question.