Characteristics Of Phobias

Question 1

Explain panic as a behavioural characteristic of phobias

Answer 1

The patient suffers from heightened physiological arousal upon exposure to the phobic stimulus

Question 2

Explain avoidance as a behavioural characteristic of phobias

Answer 2

Avoidance behaviour is negatively reinforced because it is carried out to avoid the unpleasant consequences of exposure to the phobic stimulus

Therefore avoidance impacts the patients ability to continue with their day to day lives

Question 3

Name one emotional characteristic of phobias

Answer 3

An unawareness that the anxiety experienced towards the phobic stimulus is irrational

Question 4

Explain cognitive distortions as a cognitive characteristic of phobias

Answer 4

The patient doesn’t perceive the phobic stimulus accurately