Behavioural explanations for phobias

Question 1

AO1: two-process model short intro

Answer 1

• Mowrer (1947) proposed for a behavioural explanation for phobias
• He states that it is caused by CC and maintained by OC, explained by a two-process model

Question 2

AO1: Classical conditioning for phobias

Answer 2

• Learning by associating two stimuli together to conditiona response.
• Theory of classical conditioning, phobias can be acquired through associative learning.
• Explain how we learn to associate something we do not fear (neutral stimulus), for example a lift, with something which triggers a fear response (unconditioned stimulus), for example being trapped.
• After association has formed, the lift (now a conditioned stimulus) causes a response of fear (conditioned response) and consequently, we develop a phobia of lifts, following a single incident of being trapped in a lift.

Question 3

AO1: operant conditioning

Answer 3

• According to the theory of operant conditioning, phobias can be negatively reinforced. This is where a behavior is strengthened because an unpleasant consequence is removed.
• E.g. if a person with a phobia of lifts always takes the stairs, then they are constantly avoiding their phobia.
• This avoidance reduces the person’s feelings of anxiety and so negatively reinforces their behavior, making the person more likely to repeat this behavior (avoidance) in the future. As a result, people will continue to avoid lifts and maintain their phobia

Question 4

What are the 4 AO3s?

Answer 4

AO3 - behavioural approach isn’t useful in explaining complex phobias e.g. agoraphobia (-)

AO3 - 2 step model assumes exposure e.g. could be an evolutionary reason such as with snake phobias (-)

AO3 - supporting evidence ‘Little Albert’ (+)

AO3 - practical application (+)

Question 5

AO3 - behavioural approach isn’t useful in explaining complex phobias e.g. agoraphobia (-)

Answer 5

P: a limitation of the behavioural approach in explaining phobias is that it may not be appropriate for explaining complex phobias
E: for example, it may not be able to explain agoraphobia, the fear of open or crowded spaces; people with the fear often won’t leave home.
E: this is important because it may not be able to accurately explain the causes of agoraphobia. This may mean that behavioural explanations for phobias may not be able to solely account for all types of phobias. This may decrease the utility of the approach.
L: therefore, behavioural explanations may fail to explain more complex phobias.

Question 6

AO3: 2 step model assumes exposure e.g. could be an evolutionary reason such as with snake phobias (-)

Answer 6

P: a limitation of the 2 step model is that it assumes that phobias form after exposure to the object
E: for example, some phobias can be evolutionary such as phobias to snakes
E: This suggests some phobias have not been acquired through learning. This may mean that behavioural explanations for phobias may lack accuracy, weakening this explanation. Perhaps the explanation could be modified.

Question 7

AO3: supporting evidence ‘Little Albert’ (+)

Answer 7

P: a merit of behavioural explanations for phobias is that there is supporting evidence for one of its core claims
E: for example, Watson and Rayner (1920) experimented where after the continuous association of the white rat and loud noise, Little Albert was classically conditioned to experience fear at the sight of the rat.
E: this matters because it can support Mowrer’s claim on classical conditioning accounting for developing phobias. This can provide his claim with accuracy, and can thus be deemed as a credible explanation for the aqcuisiton of phobias.
L: therefore, the study ‘Little Albert’ can validate Mowrer’s key claim on behavioural explanations holding truth for acquiring phobias

Question 8

AO3: positive practical application

Answer 8

P: a merit of using the behavioural approach to explain phobias is its positive practical explanations
E: for example, behavioural explanations for causes of phobias can lead to appropriate therapy being provided
E: this is important because behavioural explanations can provide psychologists with the reasonings for why someone might have a phobia, leading to appropriate treatment being provided. This means that psychiatrists can provide therapy to patients with phobias and allow them to reintegrate into society.
L: therefore, behavioural explanations for phobias can provide it with practical value

Question 9

Who conducted Little Albert and what was the aim?

Answer 9

Watson and raynor 1920.

Aim: To find out if Classical Conditioning works on humans. Specifically, to find out if a fear response can be conditioned into a 9 month old baby boy. Also, to see if the fear response will be generalised to other animals and objects and how long the conditioning lasts

Question 10

What is meant by a phobia?

Answer 10

Phobias are an irrational fear of an object, place or situation that causes a constant avoidance of said object, place or situation