Which statement best explains how operant conditioning contributes to the maintenance of maladaptive behaviors, and which CBT techniques counter this?

• A. Punishments-based approach to reduce maladaptive behaviors.
• B. Maladaptive behaviors are imagined; CBT denies them.
• C. Maladaptive behaviors are reinforced; CBT counters with reinforcement of adaptive behaviors, shaping, contingency management, and exposure.
• D. Maladaptive behaviors are caused by genetics; CBT uses medication.

Answer: (C)

Operant conditioning shows that behaviors are shaped by their consequences. When maladaptive behaviors are followed by reinforcing outcomes—such as attention, avoidance of an unpleasant situation, or relief from distress—these behaviors are more likely to recur and persist. CBT counters this by changing the reinforcement pattern: reinforce adaptive behaviors instead, and use shaping to gradually build toward desired responses; apply contingency management to make rewards for progress clear and consistent; and use exposure to break the cycle of avoidance, so distress decreases with repeated nonavoidant behavior. In short, CBT alters the learning processes that keep the behavior going by changing what gets reinforced and by teaching more adaptive ways to respond. The other statements don’t fit as well because they misstate what maintains behavior (imagined experiences) or rely on genetics/medication rather than learning through reinforcement.