Behavioural Approach: How operant Conditioning links to phobias, depression & anorexia

Question 1

How does phobias link to operant conditioning?

Answer 1

Person doesn’t like dogs
When dog is seen - person avoids situation
Reducing anxiety
Behaviour repeated every time to avoid dog every time

Question 2

Phobias are developed through which reinforcement?

Answer 2

Negative Reinforcement

Question 3

How does depression link to operant conditioning?

Answer 3

Can be learnt through inadvertent reinforcement of depressed behaviour by others
Individual - depressed - sympathy and attention from friends and relatives
Reinforces maladaptive behaviour (weeping, complainin)
Individual continues to feel depressed - to gain sympathy and attention

Question 4

Depression is developed through which reinforcement?

Answer 4

Positive Reinforcement

Question 5

How is anorexia developed through positive reinforcement?

Answer 5

Individual wants to lose weight - Does so by dieting
Gains rewards and compliments by others
Individual loses weight: reinforces the dieting & continues the behaviour - producing positive feelings/rewards

Question 6

How is anorexia developed through negative reinforcement?

Answer 6

Individual wants to avoid bullying
So they diet
They were teased for being overweight
Behaviour is reinforced - likely to be repeated