Psychopathology : Behavioural Approach to explaining phobias

Question 1

what is the two process model?

Answer 1

an explanation proposed by Mowrer (1960) for the onset and persistence of disorders that create anxiety e.g phobias

states that phobias are acquired by classical conditioning and maintained by operant conditioning

Question 2

who conducted the little Albert study?

Answer 2

Watson & Rayner (1920)

Question 3

what did Watson and Rayner do in their little Albert study?

Answer 3

created a phobia in 9/month old baby little albert

Question 4

outline the little Albert study

Answer 4

initially Albert showed no fear of white rat (NS)

researchers created phobia by pairing rat with loud, frightening noise (UCS) - banging an iron bar - which caused fear (UCR)

after repeated pairings, Albert began to show fear (CR) when just seeing rat (now a CS)

fear generalised onto similar objects e.g non white rabbit and cotton balls also caused distress

Question 5

what did mowrer suggest about the maintenance of phobias?

Answer 5

when phobic stimulus avoided, we successfully escape fear & anxiety that would be experienced if we’d rained there
this reduction in fear reinforces avoidance behaviour so phobia is maintained

Question 6

name one strength of the two process model (hint: exposure therapies)

Answer 6

real-world application in exposure therapies
key idea = phobias maintained by avoidance of phobic stimulus

avoidance provides anxiety relief, reinforces phobia

exposure prevents avoidance so reinforcement stops and phobia weakens

in behavioural terms, phobia is avoidance behaviour

preventing avoidance can cure phobia

highlights value of two process model in identifying effective phobia treatments

Question 7

name on limitation of the two process model

Answer 7

doesn’t account for cognitive aspects of phobias

phobias not simply avoidance responses

2-process model explains avoidance behaviour but doesn’t offer adequate explanation for phobic cognitions

means 2-process modem doesn’t fully explain symptoms of phobias

Question 8

name a strength of the two-process model (hint : traumatic experiences)

Answer 8

evidence for link between negative experiences and phobias

little albert study illustrates how frightening experience involving stimulus can lead to phobia of it

more systematic evidence from De Jongh et al 2006
found 73% of people with a fear of dental treatment had experienced a traumatic experience, mostly related to it

can be compared to control group, people with low dental anxiety, 21% experienced trauma

confirms association between stimulus and unconditioned response leads to development of phobia