Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias - C.C And O.C Flashcards
What are the three AO3 PEELS to evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias?
Weakness - env reductionism - japan
Strength - prac apps - systematic desensitisation
RTS - dentistry
P
(Env reductionism - japan)
Weakness - env reductionism
E
This is bc it reduces the complex human bhv of phobias down to simple basic units of learning phobias thru stimulus, response and ass bw a NS and UCS, and maintaining a phobia thru reinforcements
E
- This neglects a holistic approach which would take into account how a persons social and cultural context would influence phobias
- e.g. a phobia within the collectivist culture of japan is the extreme fear of displeasing others which would be less likely to occur in an individualistic culture where displeasing others wouldnt be feared
L
Therefore, the behavioural explanation of phobias may lack val as it doesnt allow us to understand bhv in context
P
(Prac apps - systematic desensitisation)
Strength - prac apps
E
- suggests phobias are learnt thru c.c so can therefore be unlearnt using c.c
- this theory has been used to create the treatment systematic desensitisation
E
- this works by teaching a patient relaxation techniques and gradually exposing them to their phobic stimulus
- so they can learn to ass their phobic stimulus w relaxation rather than fear and therefore overcome phobia
L
- this is i.a.p.o.ap as it helps to treat ppl in the real world
P
(RTS - dentistry)
RTS - comes from a researcher who found over 70% of ppl with a fear of dental treatments had experienced a traumatic experience mostly involving dentistry
E
- this can be compared to a control group with low dental anx where over 20% had experienced a traumatic event
- this confirms that ass bw a stimulus such as dentistry and an UCR such as pain, leads to development of a phobia
L
Therefore this supports to behaviourist exp of phobias developing thru ass, stimulus and response
