According to learning models of addiction, how do children and adolescents acquire maladaptive coping techniques?

The correct rationale behind the choice indicating that children and adolescents acquire maladaptive coping techniques through parental influence and social learning lies in the foundational principles of learning theories, particularly Bandura's Social Learning Theory. These models emphasize that individuals, especially young people, learn behaviors through observation and imitation.

When children observe their parents or caregivers using specific coping techniques, whether adaptive or maladaptive, they are likely to imitate those behaviors. Parental behaviors and attitudes towards stress, emotions, and problem-solving play a significant role in shaping a child's coping strategies. If maladaptive techniques such as substance use, avoidance, or aggression are modeled at home, children may adopt these as their primary responses to similar challenges.

Additionally, social learning extends beyond parental influence; it also incorporates broader social contexts where children interact with peers. They may adopt these coping mechanisms from their immediate social environment and through their relationships, which reinforce these maladaptive strategies.

While options referring to media, peer pressure, school environments, and genetic inheritance can influence behavior, the direct and formative impact of parental influence and social learning remains critical in shaping how children and adolescents respond to their experiences and challenges.