Explanations for Phobias

Question 1

Two process model

Answer 1

Mowrer
Phobias explanied as two seperate stages = acquisition and maintenance

Question 2

Acquisition

Answer 2

Classical conditioning
- learning to associate unfeared (neutral) stimulus with feared (UC) stimulus
- Little Albert (Watson and Raynor)

Question 3

Maintenance

Answer 3

Operant conditioning
- avoidance of a phobic stimulus reduces anxiety (-/ve reinforcement) which leads to a higher probability to avoidance in future so phobia is maintained

Question 4

Social Learning Theory

Answer 4

Learnt through observation and imitation
- parent scared so child imitates

Question 5

SLT - AO3

Answer 5

Many don’t obtain phobias from parents fears

Question 6

TPM + AO3

Answer 6

• good explanatory power (individual differences + why they develop and stay)
• Clinical application (how to treat)

Question 7

TPM - AO3

Answer 7

• many people have frightening experiences but don’t develop a phobia
• many people develop phobias from a non frightening experience