P3 - M.H. - Alternatives to the Medical Model

Question 1

Behaviourist Explanation of M.H.

Answer 1

• The behaviourist perspective is based on the assumption that all behaviour is learned from the environment.
• It can be argued that theories like classical conditioning, operant conditioning & social learning theory can explain & suggest treatment for some mental illnesses.

Question 2

Classical Conditioning (WATSON & RAYNER)

Answer 2

Classical conditioning can explain how phobias develop.
* Watson & Rayner (1920) investigated whether it was possible to create a phobia in a baby boy (Little Albert).
* Watson & Rayner induced a phobia of a white rat (Little Albert wasn’t naturally afraid of) by making a loud noise (something that upset Little Albert) repeatedly every time he saw the rat.
* Albert eventually formed an association; got upset at the sight of the rat even when the noise was not presented.

This could explain how phobias develop.

Question 3

Operant Conditioning

Answer 3

Some people argue that mental illness can be explained in terms of the rewards.
* Negative reinforcement could explain why some phobias remain over time.
* Negative reinforcement is the removal of something unpleasant.
For example, if an arachnophobe gets another person to remove spiders they see, they are rewarded as the fear is lifted.
* However, this negative reinforcement could actually ensure the phobia persists in the long term.

Question 4

Social Learning Theory

Answer 4

Social learning theory is based on the assumption that people will imitate what they observe.
* Some argue that behaviours shown in depression (withdrawal, mood swings) can be transmitted to others.
* In particular, children (very susceptable to S.L.T.) who see role models reacting to challenges in unhealthy ways will learn to also respond to situations in the same way.

Question 5

Behaviourist Treatments

Answer 5

Classical conditioning can be used to treat phobias as well as create them. If someone can associate their phobia with feelings of calmness then this could remove the phobia.
* Systematic desensitisation involves a person being taught relaxation techniques and then pairing these techniques with their phobia.
* In order not to make the therapy too intense they are systematically introduced to their phobia (e.g. seeing a drawing of their phobia first, then a photo, etc.).
* McGrath (1990) - a 10-year-old girl called Lucy had her fear of loud noises (caused by party poppers and balloons) reduced by systematically desensitising her to them. Her self-rating of fear of party poppers began at 9/10 and reduced to 3/10 after the therapy was completed.

Question 6

Aversion Technique Therapy

Answer 6

• Aversion therapy also works on the principles of classical conditioning.
• It can reduce drug and alcohol addiction by adding substances to them that create nausea.
• The person will then associate drugs or alcohol with feeling sick and this will stop their addiction.

Question 7

Flooding Technique Therapy

Answer 7

• Involves immediately putting someone into contact with their phobia.
• Although they will panic at first, their body cannot sustain the fear response for a long period and after the person cannot physically be afraid they will associate their phobia with calmness.