The behavioural approach to explaining phobias

Question 1

Two-Process Model (Mowrer 1947)

Answer 1

Proposed the two-process model to explain how phobias are learned. 1st stage: Classical conditioning 2nd stage: Operant conditioning. Both processes explain the initiation and maintenance of phobias.

Question 2

Classical Conditioning: Initiation

Answer 2

A phobia is acquired through association between a neutral stimulus (NS) such as a white furry rat and a loud noise, resulting in a new stimulus being learned, as demonstrated by Little Albert.

Question 3

Operant Conditioning: Maintenance

Answer 3

Operant conditioning doesn’t explain why individuals continue to feel fearful or avoid the stimulus. The likelihood of behaviour being repeated is increased if the outcome is rewarding.

Question 4

Operant Conditioning in the Case of Phobias

Answer 4

The avoidance of the phobic stimulus reduces fear, reinforcing the behaviour through negative reinforcement (escaping an unpleasant situation).

Question 5

Social Learning

Answer 5

Not part of the two-process model, but a neo-behaviourist explanation. Phobias may be acquired through modelling the behaviour of others. For example, seeing a parent respond with extreme fear to a spider may cause a child to acquire similar behaviour.

Question 6

AO3

Answer 6

Various strengths and weaknesses of the two-process model can be discussed, such as the role of classical conditioning and the limitations of the behavioural approach.

Question 7

The Importance of Classical Conditioning (Strength)

Answer 7

P: One strength is that many people with phobias recall a specific incident, such as being bitten by a dog or having a panic attack. E: Ost (1987) found not everyone can recall such an incident. L: This suggests classical conditioning plays a role in phobia development but that other processes may be involved.

Question 8

Incomplete Explanation (Weakness)

Answer 8

P: The behavioural explanation is incomplete. E: Not everyone who experiences a fearful event, such as being bitten by a dog, develops a phobia. Di Nardo et al. (1988) found this. L: Suggests the role of the diathesis-stress model, which proposes genetic vulnerability.

Question 9

Support for Social Learning (AO3)

Answer 9

P: Bandura and Rosenthal (1966) supported social learning theory. E: In their experiment, participants showed an emotional reaction to a buzzer after observing a model act in pain when it sounded. E: This demonstrates that modelling others’ fearful responses can lead to the acquisition of phobias. L: Social learning theory is a valid explanation.

Question 10

Biological Preparedness (Weakness)

Answer 10

P: Phobias don’t always develop after a traumatic incident, suggesting biological preparedness. E: Seligman (1970) argued humans are genetically programmed to rapidly associate life-threatening stimuli with fear. E: This explains why we fear ancient dangers (e.g., snakes) more than modern ones (e.g., cars). L: This suggests that the behavioural approach is reductionist.

Question 11

What AO3 Are You Using for the Behavioural Approach to Explaining Phobias?

Answer 11

The importance of classical conditioning (strength), Incomplete explanation (weakness), Support for social learning theory (strength), Biological preparedness (weakness).