Behaviourist Approach To Explaining Phobias Flashcards
What is the model proposed by Mower called?
Two process model
Describe what Mower said about how phobias develop and remain
Phobias are learnt via classical conditioning and continue due to operant conditioning
Describe Watson and Rayners study into acquisition by classical conditioning
Created a phobia of white fluffy objects in ‘little Albert’
No anxiety at beginning of the study.
When a white rat was present they made a loud noise (by banging on an iron bar)
Noise= unconditioned stimulus, fear= unconditioned response
When NS and UCS paired it led to Albert to fear white rat (NS was associated with UCS)
Describe how phobias are maintained by operant conditioning
Behaviour reinforced or punished which increases the frequency of a behaviour.
When avoiding a phobic stimulus we successfully escape fear and anxiety that we would have suffered if we remained there. This reinforces avoidance behaviour.
Describe one strength of behavioural explanations (AO3)
Two process model good step forward as it went beyond Watson and Rayners classical conditioning explanation. It explained how phobias are maintained and why patients should be exposed to a phobic stimulus.
(Application to therapy)
Describe the alternate explanation for avoidance behaviour (AO3)
Not all avoidance behaviour associated with phobias seem to be the result of anxiety reduction.
Eg. Agoraphobia motivated by positive feelings of safety. Explains how they can leave the house with a family member but not by themselves.
Why is the two process model an incomplete explanation of phobias (AO3)
Bounton et al: evolutionary factors have an important role in phobias.
Eg. Acquire phobias that are a source of danger eg, the dark or snakes. Biological preparedness (in-ate fear) however it is rare to fear guns and cars which are dangerous.
