Because she is often rejected by her parents, Sally mistrusts other people and treats them with hostility, which leads to their rejection of her. The cycle of rejection, mistrust, hostility, and further rejection illustrate what is meant by:

Correct answer: D. reciprocal determinism

  • A. an external locus of control
  • B. the self-serving phenomenon
  • C. reaction formation
  • D. reciprocal determinism

Explanation

Reciprocal determinism describes the mutual influence of a person’s behavior, personal factors, and social environment: Sally’s hostility invites rejection, which then reinforces her mistrust. The pattern is therefore circular rather than caused by only an external locus of control.

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