The concept of stress inoculation, involving positive self-statements, was proposed by which behaviorally oriented theorist?

• A. Allport
• B. Bandura
• C. Wolpe
• D. Meichenbaum

Answer: (D)

Stress inoculation is a cognitive-behavioral approach that uses coping skills and positive self-talk to manage stress and anxiety. This technique was developed by Donald Meichenbaum, a behaviorally oriented theorist. Meichenbaum’s stress inoculation training guides clients to recognize their stress reactions, learn and rehearse concrete coping strategies, and use positive self-statements to guide their behavior under pressure. The emphasis on self-instruction and cognitive rehearsal—talking through how to handle a stressful situation before and during it—helps bridge thoughts, feelings, and actions in a practical way. This focus distinguishes it from other theorists: Allport is rooted in personality traits, Wolpe developed systematic desensitization, and Bandura is known for social-cognitive theory and self-efficacy, not the specific stress-inoculation framework with coping statements.