Development And Maintaining Phobias

Question 1

What is a phobia?

Answer 1

• An exaggerated fear of an object or situation.

- Most people recognise that their feelings and behaviour are irrational and seek assistance in overcoming the phobia.

Question 2

Explain using the theory of classical conditioning how phobias can be developed. Use an example to help explain

Answer 2

• A phobia is created through association of a natural stimulus, with unconditioned stimulus, usually through past experiences or trauma
• for example a fear of dogs could be developed through an unconditioned stimulus (e.g a dog bite) resulted in an unconditioned response (e.g pain). From then on a neutral stimulus (dogs) is paired with the unconditioned stimulus (the bite) resulting in an unconditioned response (pain). Now the conditioned stimulus (dogs) is associated with a conditioned response (pain),, causing fear and anxiety that over time develops into a phobia

Question 3

Explain using the theory of operant conditioning how phobias can be maintained. Use an example to help explain

Answer 3

• A phobia is maintained through positive reinforcement= When the individual with the phobia appears scared or anxious, they may receive love, attention, chocolate etc to make them feel better, making them likely to repeat the behaviour again.
• A phobia can also be maintained through negative reinforcement= When the individual sees their phobic object/ situation, they take themselves further away to reduce their anxiety and fear, calming them down, and making them likely to continue doing this. For e.g someone having a phobia of dogs may always cross the road when they see a dog to make them feel better