behavioural explanation of phobias

Question 1

what are the key beliefs of the behavioural approach ?

Answer 1

• emphasises obervsable and measurable behaviours rather than hidden mental processes
• behaviours learnt
• blank slate

Question 2

what is the two process model?

Answer 2

1. phobias are acquired in first place through classical conditioning
2. phobias are maintained because of operant conditioning

Question 3

explaination of classical conditioning for phobias

Answer 3

phobias acquired, involves learning to associate something of which initially have no fear (NS) with something that already triggers a fear response (UCS)

Question 4

supporting research for classical conditioning

Answer 4

Watson and Raynor- Little Albert:
loud noise (UCS) -> cry (UCR)
white rat (NS) -> no response
white rat (UCS) + noise (NS) -> cry
white rat (CS) -> cry (CR)
conditioning was generalised to similar objects like white rabbit

Question 5

explaination of operant conditioning for phobias

Answer 5

phobias long lasting due to maintaining phobias through negtaive reinforcement- avoids unpleasant situation which redcues fear so behaviour be repeated. avoid phobic stimulus= escape fear

Question 6

supporting research for operant conditioning

Answer 6

Di Gallo- 20% people experiencing traumatic car accidents developed phobia of travelling in cars especially in high speeds, tend to stay at home rather than make car journeys

Question 7

how does the supporting research for operant conditioning support the two process model ?

Answer 7

acquisition- classical conditioning- associating car (NS) with accident (UCS) to be car as CS and fear CR
maintinence- operant conditioning- avoiding car journeys as reduces fears of accidents so likely repeat avoidance

Question 8

strengths of approach (2)

Answer 8

real world application- intro of exposure therapies for ppl with phobias being exposed to phobic stimulus
therapies prevent avoidant behaviours as person exposed to phobias so not reinforced
valuable to society
link phobias and traumatic experiences- Ad De Jongh 73% of ppl with fear of dental treatment experienced traumatic event involving dentistry, links to behav approach as suggests behav learnt and traumatic experiences play role whilst phobias acquired + maintained. C- not all phobias resulted by bad exp. fear of snakes may never exposed to snake. questions accuracy

Question 9

limitation of approach (1)

Answer 9

doesnt account for cognitive aspects of phobias- approach focuses on ppls behavs to phobic stimulus, phobias have cognitive components eg irrational beliefs ab phobic stimulus which approach doesnt look at. one approach cant explain complex conditions like phobias as oversimplifies