Avoiding or escaping a feared situation reduces anxiety but ends up

1. reinforcing the phobic behavior
2. encouraging the person to seek treatment
3. aggravating the symptoms of the disorder
4. minimizing the anxiety until it disappears

1 answer

Avoiding or escaping a feared situation reduces anxiety but ends up:

  1. reinforcing the phobic behavior

This choice is correct because avoidance behaviors can strengthen the fear response over time, making it harder for individuals to confront and manage their phobia effectively.