Behavioural approach to explaining phobias Flashcards
what is the name given to the model explaining how we acquire and maintain phobias?
two process model
how are phobias acquired ?
through classical conditioning
how does classical conditioning work
a phobia is acquired through association; a new stimulus response is learnt.
Little albert example:
loud noise (UCS) -> fear (UCR)
louise noise (UCS) + furry object (NS) -> fear (UCR)
furry object (CS) -> fear (CR).
the furry object is conditioned to produce the response of fear.
how are phobias maintained?
through operant conditioning; negative reinforcement of avoidance behaviour.
how does operant conditioning work?
avoiding an unpleasant situation - desirable outcome - repeated - maintained
avoiding the phobic stimulus is rewarding because you avoid the fear/anxiety associated with the phobic stimulus. the reduction in fear/anxiety reinforces the avoidance behaviour and so the phobia is maintained
what is the alternative explanation of phobias?
SLT: phobias are acquired through imitating the behaviour of a model. EG children might imitate parent’s phobia to recieve attention
what is a strength of the behavioural explanation?
practical applications of therapy. the 2 process model shows how people maintain their phobias through avoidance and negative reinforcement. this shows that without the option of avoidance, phobias will be overcome. this has led to effective treatments such as flooding and systematic desensitisation.
what is a limitation of the behavioural explanation? (exposure)
not all phobias come from bad experience or exposure and the behavioural approach cannot explain this, and so it cannot act as a full explanation for phobias
what is a limitation of the behavioural explanation? (cognitive)
it ignores cognitive elements. behavioural says it is a result of exposure, but cognitive says it is a result of irrational thinking, and this has led to more successful treatment. (CBT>SD). so cannot act as a full explanation
