Phobias

Question 1

What are the 3 types of characteristic of Phobias

Answer 1

Behavioural - Panic Avoidance
Cognitive - Irrational beliefs, Selective Attention
Emotional - Anxiety, Fear

Question 2

What is the 2 process model?

Answer 2

Hobart Mowrer (1960) proposes 2 process model.
States Phobias acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning. (negative / positive reinforcement and punishment)

Question 3

How can the 2 process model treat phobias?

Answer 3

Systematic Desensitisation:
Through gradual exposure to phobia and classical conditioning learn to associate feared stimulus with something relaxing

Question 4

Limitations of 2 process model

Answer 4

Not all phobias are learned - predisposition to develop certain phobias
Ignores cognitive explanations for phobias - irrational thoughts lead to fear response and phobias.

Question 5

What are the 2 ways of treating phobias?

Answer 5

• Systematic Desensitisation
• Flooding

Question 6

Systematic Desensitisation

Answer 6

Counter-conditions a phobia by gradually exposing a person to their fear while teaching them to stay calm.

Question 7

How does Systematic desensitisation work?

Answer 7

Patient forms a Anxiety Hierarchy
Slow exposed through gradual exposure to each anxiety level until relaxed

Question 8

Flooding

Answer 8

Imidiate intense exposure.
Stay in high anxiety condition for long period of time until body realises no fear