Behavioural explainations for phobias

Question 1

What is the belief about how phobias are acquired

Answer 1

Experience and observing

Question 2

What is the two process theory

Answer 2

Suggests phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning.

Question 3

How are phobias acquired by classical conditioning

Answer 3

Known as Acquisition
Association between two stimuli
Associate phobic object (CS) with an unpleasant (UCS)
e.g being bitten by a dog associating the bite with the dog.

Question 4

How are phobias maintained by Operant conditioning

Answer 4

-Negative reinforcement- avoiding the phobic situation reducing anxiety so increasing avoidance
-Positive reinforcement attention received encourages the phobia by reward and increases likelihood of it being repeated.

Question 5

Social learning theory in phobias

Answer 5

Phobias can be leant by imitating this behaviour in a role model (vicarious learning)
Especially if the role model is positively reinforced.

Question 6

Strengths of behavioural explanations for phobias.

Answer 6

Treatments based on the approach are effective at reducing symptoms (systematic desensitisation and flooding), a practical approach

research support by Little Albert, high control for cause and effect. (Watson and Rayner)- white rats

Question 7

Limitations of behavioural explanations for phobias

Answer 7

Reductionist- useful for treatments but doesn’t regard cognitions.
Individual difference- some people have a frightening experience and do not develop a phobia, some people get a phobia without a preceding event.