PSYCHOPATHOLOGY ( the behaviourist appr to explaining/treating Phobias)

Question 1

Outline the role of classical conditioning : initiation in explaining how phobias are learned.

Answer 1

Learning through association . A neutral stimulus is constantly paired with an unconditioned stimulus so that it eventually takes on the properties of this stimulus and is able to produce a conditioned response . eg little Albert
Developing a fear of dogs :
- Being bitten ( UCS) creates fear ( UCR)
- Dog ( NS) associated with being bitten ( UCS)
- Dog ( now CS) produces fear response now ( CR)

Question 2

Outline the role of operant conditioning : maintenance in explaining how phobias are learned.

Answer 2

Learning through reinforcement or punishment . If a behaviour is followed by a desirable consequence it is more likely to occur again in the future. eg. the avoidance of the phobic stimulus reduces fear and thus is reinforcing.

Question 3

Evaluate this approach to explaining phobias

Answer 3

Supporting evidence :
Watson and Rayner demonstrated classical conditioning in little Albert , showing how a phobia can be learned. Observations of people developing phobias after traumatic experiences support the model.

Real world Application :
Led to effective treatments , such as systematic desensitisation and flooding .
These therapies are based on the idea that avoidance maintains phobias , and breaking that pattern can reduce fear.

WEAKNESSES:
Incomplete explanations :
Doesn’t explain why some people develop phobias and others don’t after similar experiences. Ignores biological factors like genetic predisposition or evolution eg. we more easily fear snakes/spiders - biological preparedness.

Ignores cognitive aspects :
Phobias often involve irrational thinking , which the behavioural model overlooks. Cognitive approaches may offer a fuller explanation by including faulty beliefs and thought patterns

Question 4

Outline systematic desensitisation ( SD) as a treatment for phobias

Answer 4

Aim : to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through classical conditioning by replacing fear with relaxation ( called counterconditioning)

Steps :
1. Anxiety hierarchy - create a list of situations from least to most anxiety- provoking
2. Relaxation training - learn relaxation techniques ( eg. deep breathing , meditation)
3. Exposure - gradually work through the hierarchy while remaining relaxed

Question 5

Evaluate SD as a treatment for phobias

Answer 5

STRENGTHS :

Effective - research ( Gilroy) found that SD significantly reduced phobic symptoms in patients with spider phobia , and effects lasted 3 months and beyond.

Low dropout rate - SD is gentle and gradual , so patients are more likely to complete it compared to more intense therapies like flooding.

WEAKNESSES :

Less effective for complex phobias - it works better for specific phobias ( eg. fear of dogs) than social phobias , which involve cognitive distortions

Question 6

Outline flooding as a treatment for phobias

Answer 6

Aim : to remove the phobia by immediate and prolonged exposure to the feared object or situation, without any gradual build-up

Process :
No hierarchy - the person is exposed to their most feared stimulus straight away
Extinction - anxiety will peak and eventually decrease as the person learns the fear is irrational

Question 7

Evaluate Flooding as a treatment for phobias

Answer 7

STRENGTHS

Highly effective and fast - often quicker than SD or cognitive therapy - patients may be cured in just one session
Cost effective - because it’s fast , it reduces time and money spent on therapy

WEAKNESSES :

Highly traumatic - causes significant distress , even though it’s not harmful . This can lead to dropouts, making it less effective in practice.

Ethical concerns - needs fully informed consent due to the intense nature of treatment. It may be inappropriate for vulnerable individuals