the two process model Evaluation

Question 1

real-world application

exposure therapies

Answer 1

• two process model = phobias are maintained by avoidance of the phobic stimulus
• explains why people with phobias benefit from being exposed to the phobic stimulus
• once the avoidance behaviour is prevented it ceases to be reinforced by the experience of anxiety reduction and avoidance therefore declines
• when avoidance is prevented the phobia is cured
• shows the value of the two-process approach because it identifies a mean of treating phobias

Question 2

does not account for cognitive aspects of phobias

Answer 2

• phobias arent simply avoidance responses
• e.g. people hold irrational beliefs about the phobic stimulus
• two process model explains avoidance but doesn’t offer an adequate explanation for phobic cognitions
• doesn’t completely explain the symptoms of phobias

Question 3

phobias and traumatic expereinces

Answer 3

• little Albert’s study illustrates how a frightening experience involving a stimulus can lead to a phobia of that stimulus
• ad de Jongh et al 2006 = 73% of people with a fear of dental treatment had experienced a traumatic experience, mostly involving dentistry
• compared to a control group of people with low dental anxiety where only 21% had experienced a traumatic event
• confirms that the association between stimulus (dentistry) and an UC (pain) does lead to the development of the phobia