Behavioural Approach - Phobias

Question 1

Two-process model

Answer 1

Phobias begin through classical conditioning and are maintained through operant conditioning

Question 2

Incomplete explanation

Answer 2

Di Nardo (1988) found that not everyone who has a phobia of dogs has been bitten by a dog, suggesting there is a genetic vulnerability to phobias

Question 3

Social learning

Answer 3

Not part of the two process, but considered neo-behaviourist. Phobias may be acquired through modeling from others

Question 4

Support for social learning

Answer 4

Bandura and Rosenthal (1966). Model acted in pain when a buzzer was sounded. Participants who watched this later showed an emotional reaction to the buzzer

Question 5

Flooding

Answer 5

Client is immersed in their worst fear in one session, only stopping when they are over the fear

Question 6

Systematic Desensitisation

Answer 6

First, relaxation techniques are taught to the client. Then they create a fear hierarchy, and then they work through it from least to most intense

Question 7

Systematic desensitisation not appropriate for all phobias

Answer 7

Ohman et al (1975), SD may not be effective on phobias that have an underlying evolutionary survival component e.g dark or heights

Question 8

Flooding individual differences

Answer 8

It can be a highly traumatic process, so not everyone can make it to the end, making it less effective