Explanation of Phobias

Question 1

What is the Two-Process model?

Answer 1

• Mowrer’s idea that Phobia are (a) acquired by classical conditioning and (b) maintained by operant conditioning

Question 2

How does Operant Conditioning work in Explaining Phobias?

Answer 2

• Maintain phobia. Negative reinforcement because avoidance reduces anxiety

Question 3

How does Classical Conditioning work in Explaining Phobias?

Answer 3

• Acquisition of phobia, neutral stimulus associated with fear and then becomes phobic object

Question 4

What is the Behavioral Approach to Explaining Phobias?

Answer 4

• Behavioral characteristics of phobia are of primary importance

Question 5

How can the two-process model be applied to the real-world?

Answer 5

• Exposure therapies such as SD derive from the concept of counter-conditioning and the idea that people reinforce their phobias through operant conditioning and so must be exposed to their phobic stimulus

Question 6

How is the Two Process model only a partial explanation for phobias?

Answer 6

• Explains behaviours such as avoidance within phobias but ignores the cognitive aspects of phobias e.g irrational beliefs so it is does not explain all symptoms of phobias

Answer 7

• Not all frightening experiences lead to phobias and not all phobias are due to a frightening experience as suggested by the two process model and so association between the two factors may not be as prevalent as the two process model makes out