Question

Jorgas struggles with meeting new people. He is very shy and does not approach people at social events. Because of this, people assume he does not want to talk to them and they avoid him, which in turn reinforces Jorgas' anxiety about approaching people. Jorgas' situation illustrates which of the following principles?
A) Classical conditioning
B) Social anxiety disorder
C) Operant conditioning
D) Self-fulfilling prophecy

Answer 1

The situation described illustrates the principle of D) self-fulfilling prophecy. Jorgas' anxiety about approaching people leads to others assuming he doesn't want to talk to them, which reinforces his anxiety and avoidance of social situations. This creates a cycle where people's behavior towards Jorgas confirms his initial belief or anxiety about approaching others, reinforcing the pattern.