Behaviourist explanations of Phobias

Question 1

A strength of the Behaviourist explanation?

Answer 1

Real world application-
use of exposure therapies such as flooding and systematic desensitisation has proved effective in treating phobias, by preventing the avoidance behaviour of the phibic stimulus

Question 2

What is a limitation of the Behaviourist explanation?

Answer 2

Ignores cognitive aspects
-Ignores role of cognitive distortions and irrational beleifs in maintaining and aqurring the phobic stimulus
-Limited

Question 3

Another strength of the Behaviourist explanation of phobias?

Answer 3

Research supporting the linkbetween traumatic expereinces and phobias
-LIttle Albert study
-De Jongh found that 73% of those with a dentistry related phobia had a traumatic experience vs low dental anxiety group (21%)

Question 4

What is another limitation of the Behaviourist explanation?

Answer 4

Not all phobias arise due to negative expereinces e.g snakes which mist people have no interaction with
-Not all negative experiences cause phobias