Which concept states that there may be multiple paths to a given outcome?

• A. Equifinality
• B. Comorbidity
• C. Adaptive Functioning
• D. Prognosis

Answer: (A)

Equifinality describes how there can be multiple paths to the same outcome. In growth and development, people can end up at the same level of functioning or achieve a similar result through different sequences of experiences, influences, or interventions. For example, one student might overcome early language delays with strong teaching support, while another might reach the same academic level through high motivation and family encouragement. The important point is that the end result can be reached from different beginnings or routes. Comorbidity means having two or more disorders at once; adaptive functioning is about how well someone handles daily tasks; prognosis is the likely future course of a condition. So equifinality best captures the idea of multiple pathways converging on one outcome.