behavioural approach to explaining phobias Flashcards
(6 cards)
what is the two-process model? (2)
● argues that phobias are learned / acquired through classical conditioning
● but are then maintained through operant conditioning
what is classical conditioning? (2)
● phobias learned via classical conditioning when associating a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that causes fear
● resulting in a conditioned stimulus that produces a conditioned response of fear
what was the little albert study? (2)
● watson & rayner conditioned a baby boy known as little albert to fear white rats
● fear ended up being generalised to other similar objects: rabbit, white mask, santa and fur coat
what is generalisation?
phobia is generalised to other similar objects meaning you are also afraid of them
how are phobias maintained?
operant conditioning
describe how phobias are maintained (4)
● whenever a person avoids phobic stimulus, they successfully escape the feelings of fear and anxiety they would have experienced if they had remained there
● this reduction of fear / anxiety reinforces the avoidance behaviour
● thus, the phobia is maintained
● this is negative reinforcement