behavioural approach to explaining phobias

Question 1

outline the two process model as an explanation of phobias

Answer 1

the two process model explains the two processes that lead to a phobia. it begins through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning

Question 2

explain how classical conditioning can be used to explain the development of a phobia

Answer 2

a phobia is acquired through an association between a NS and a UCS. when these stimuli are paired, they produce a fear response which becomes a CR and the NS becomes a CS which is feared.

Question 3

explain how operant conditioning can be used to explain the development of a phobia

Answer 3

operant conditioning involves reinforcement of the behaviour if the outcome is rewarding. in phobias, avoidance from the phobic stimulus removes fear and is thus rewarding. this is an example of negative reinforcement..

Question 4

give one criticism of the two-process model

Answer 4

The behavioural approach/two-process model of phobias can be criticised for being deterministic.

For example, the Two-Process model suggests that when an individual experiences a traumatic event they will draw an association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned response and will go on and develop a phobia.

This is a weakness because this theory of phobias suggests that we are programmed by our environmental experiences and ignores individual free will

Question 5

summarise the case study of little albert

Answer 5

an 11-month-old boy called Albert showed no fear response to white furry objects: a white rat (NS)
a conditioned response was created by pairing a loud noise with the furry object. as a result, when Albert saw the furry object he cried because the object was associated with fear.

Question 6

outline systematic desensitisation

Answer 6

a person is gradually exposed to an anxiety inducing object or place while being engaged in relaxation methods in order to reduce anxiety associated with the stimulus

Question 7

The process of Systematic Desensitization

Answer 7

1. Train the person in behavioural relaxation
2. Construct the fear hierarchy- repeated safe exposure; least to most fearful
   • Brief exposure to prevent it from
   becoming a conditioned stimulus for anxiety
3. The patient starts at the bottom of the fear hierarchy and when the patient can remain relaxed in the presence of the stimulus, they gradually progress onto the next level. The patient gradually moves their way up the hierarchy until they are completely relaxed in the most feared situation; at this point systematic desensitisation is successful.

Question 8

There are three critical components to systematic desensitisation:

Answer 8

Fear hierarchy
Relaxation training
Reciprocal inhibition

Question 9

reciprocal inhibition.

Answer 9

two emotional states cannot exist at the same time.

Therefore, a person is unable to be anxious and relaxed at the same time and the relaxation should overtake the fear.

Question 10

research evidence to support systematic desensitisation

Answer 10

One strength of systematic desensitisation comes from research evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of this treatment for phobias.

McGrath et al. (1990) found that 75% of patients with phobias were successfully treated using systematic desensitisation when using in vivo techniques. This shows that systematic desensitisation is effective in treating phobias.