The Behavioural Approach To Phobias Flashcards
(15 cards)
What do behaviourists suggest?
That all behaviour is learnt
Who proposed the two-process model?
Hobart Mowrer
What is the two-process model?
The idea that phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning
How are phobias acquired through classical conditioning?
The individual learns to associate something of which we initially have no fear (the NS) with something that already triggers a fear response (the UCS)
How are phobias maintained through operant conditioning?
The behaviour is reinforced by either positive or negative reinforcement.
These both result in a desirable consequence, increasing the likelihood that the behaviour is repeated
Evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias
Strengths:
The two process model provides a good explanation behind the cause of phobias
There is research to support the model : little Albert (conditioned to have a phobia of white rats)
Sue et al says people often recall specific events that trigger the phobia, this supports the two process model in how they are acquired
Weaknesses:
It is an incomplete explanation as not everyone who experiences an unpleasant event will develop a phobia of it
Doesn’t consider the cognitive aspects of phobias
Reductionist as it doesn’t recognise other ways that phobias are developed eg. Biologically
What are the 2 behavioural methods to treating phobias?
Systematic desensitisation
Flooding
What is systematic desensitisation?
Gradually reducing phobic anxiety through classical conditioning.
The sufferer learns a new response to the phobic stimulus so that they are relaxed in its presence
What are the three processes involved in systematic desensitisation?
Explain them
Creating an anxiety hierarchy:
— this is a list of anxiety enducing situations in order from least to most frightening
Relaxation:
The therapist teaches the patient to relax as deeply as possible
Exposure:
The patient is exposed to the phobic stimulus. When they no longer feel anxiety in a situation they move up the hierarchy
What is an example of systematic desensitisation?
Newman and Adam’s (2004) hierarchy to treat a teenage boys dog phobia
What is flooding?
Immediate exposure to very frightening situations
How does flooding work?
Flooding stops phobic responses very quickly as without the option of avoidance behaviour, the patient quickly learns that the phobic stimulus is harmless
(In classical conditioning terms this process is called extinction)
Is flooding ethical or unethical?
Flooding is not seen as unethical as a patient gives fully informed consent, however it is a very unpleasant/traumatic experience that a patient needs to be fully prepared for
Evaluate systematic desensitisation?
Strengths:
It is effective—Gilroy et al followed up 42 patients who used it for a spider phobia, he also used a control group. At both 3 months and 33 months the treated group were less fearful than the control group
It is suitable for a range of people for example people with learning difficulties
Weaknesses:
It’s not as effective in treating phobias with an underlying evolutionary survival component (eg fear of the dark) as it is in treating acquired phobias
Evaluate flooding
Strengths:
It’s highly effective and quicker than other methods — this makes the treatment much cheaper
Weaknesses:
It’s not as helpful for more complex phobias such as social phobias as they’re based on cognitive processes so a person may benefit more from cognitive therapies
Can be highly traumatic for the patient - many may struggle to complete it due to the high anxiety
