What type of behavioral response is typical of someone with agoraphobia?

Individuals with agoraphobia typically avoid specific places or situations that they perceive as triggering anxiety or panic. This avoidance behavior is driven by the fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack. Common triggers for those with agoraphobia include crowded areas, open spaces, or situations where they might be away from home alone.

This avoidance can significantly impact their daily functioning and social interactions, as they may limit their activities to ensure they feel safe. Understanding this behavioral response is crucial for effective therapeutic interventions, such as exposure therapy, which seeks to gradually reintroduce individuals to the feared environments in a controlled manner.

The other choices do not align with the core characteristics of agoraphobia. For instance, approaching feared situations would be counterproductive to the distress experienced in agoraphobia, while seeking reassurance and engaging in social activities do not specifically reflect the avoidance seen in this condition.