According to the cognitive-behavioral model of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) developed by Salkovskis, what is the primary factor that maintains obsessive-compulsive behavior?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Salkovskis’ cognitive-behavioral model centers on how appraisals of intrusive thoughts—not the mere presence of those thoughts—produce and maintain OCD symptoms.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts:
- Intrusive thoughts are common in the general population. Salkovskis emphasized that it is the interpretation (appraisal) of these thoughts as meaningful, dangerous, or indicative of personal responsibility that creates pathological distress.
- Compulsive behaviors (rituals, checking, neutralizing) are safety-seeking responses intended to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes.
- Negative reinforcement: performing a compulsion reduces anxiety in the short term, which increases the likelihood the compulsion will be used again, thereby maintaining the disorder.
- Failure to test and disconfirm feared consequences (because rituals prevent exposure) perpetuates dysfunctional beliefs.

2) Step-by-step reasoning process:
- A person experiences an intrusive thought (normal occurrence).
- They appraise that thought as dangerous, immoral, or as indicating they will cause harm (e.g., “If I had this thought, I might act on it”).
- This appraisal generates intense anxiety, guilt, or perceived responsibility.
- To neutralize the anxiety and prevent feared outcomes, they perform compulsions (mental rituals, checking).
- The immediate reduction in anxiety after the compulsion reinforces the behavior (negative reinforcement).
- Because the compulsion prevents disconfirmation of the catastrophic appraisal, the belief remains intact and the cycle repeats.

3) Calculations: none required.

4) Why the correct answer is correct:
The option states that the primary factor is the belief that obsessive thoughts are dangerous and must be neutralized by compulsive behaviors. This directly matches Salkovskis’ emphasis on maladaptive appraisals and safety-seeking rituals maintained by negative reinforcement.

5) Why other options are incorrect:
- Impulsivity: Salkovskis’ model focuses on appraisals and avoidance, not impulsive action without reflection.
- Genetic predisposition: biological vulnerability may play a role in OCD generally, but it is not the central maintaining mechanism in Salkovskis’ cognitive-behavioral model.
- Low serotonin levels: this is a neurochemical hypothesis (biological model), not the cognitive-behavioral explanation Salkovskis proposed.

Conclusion: The correct answer is the belief that obsessive thoughts are dangerous and must be neutralized by compulsive behaviors, which matches the provided answer.

According to the cognitive-behavioral model of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) developed by Salkovskis, what is the primary factor that maintains obsessive-compulsive behavior?Single choice

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