Behavioral Approach Explaining Phobias Flashcards
Discuss the behavioural approach to explaining phobias AO1
1) Explains phobias through classical and operant conditioning, Mowsers two process model
2) Phobias form by classical conditioning as association learnt - NS paired with UCS that creates fear CR
3) E.g Watson and Rayners Little Albert study - initially no fear of white rat NS, but after pairing with loud noise UCS that created fear CR - resulted in phobia to white rabbits and white fluffy objects
4) Phobias maintained by operant conditioning via negative reinforcement
5) Avoiding phobic stimulus reduces anxiety, reinforcing avoidance, preventing extinction of phobia - explains why phobias persists as rewarded with anxiety relief when avoid
6) Model suggest learnt fears strengthened by avoidance, making phobia resistant to extinction
A strength of the 2 process model AO3
P) Strong empirical evidence linking traumatic events to phobia developed
E) E.g De Jongh found 73% with dental phobias experienced traumatic events compared to 21% control group
E) Suggests direct negative experience plays significant role, reinforcing classical conditioning as cause of phobic response
C) However Di Nardo found 56% with dog phobia reported bad encounter with dogs, 50% without dog phobia also has bad encounter - suggests not all who experience traumatic event develop phobias
L) Evidence supports validity of 2PM as NS (dentistry) can become CS of fear by pairing with UCR (distress or pain) and maintained through avoidance - however may not generalise to all phobias
A strength of the 2 process model AO3
P) Real work application in exposure therapies like SD and flooding, both highly effective
E) E.g model states avoidance maintains phobia by preventing exposed to feared stimulus, reinforcing fear response through negative reinforcement. Once avoidance prevented, no longer relief from anxiety, weakening learned association between stimulus and fear
E) Leads to decline in avoidance, so reduction in phobic symptoms. Phobia sustained by avoidance so when eliminated, phobia can be effectively treated. Process aligns with CC and OC
L) Demonstrates value of model as provides clear basis for successful therapy. Effective treatment supports validity, reinforcing the 2PM significant understanding and treating phobias
A limitation of the 2 process model AO3
P) Overlooks cognition told, no account for how irrational thought processes contribute to phobic responses
E) Cognitivists argue phobias develop also as result of maladaptive thinking patterns e.g claustrophobia may irrationally believe they will suffocate despite no danger. These cognitive distortions contribute to persistent fear and avoidance behaviours which aren’t considered in behaviourist explanation which focuses on stimulus response associations
E) Further evidence - effectiveness of CBT - more successful in treating phobias that SD - indicates that challenging thoughts play more significant role in treatment than merely breaking conditioned fear response
L) Evidence challenges validity of 2PM as suggests phobias not purely result of learnt associations.
