PAM psychopathology

Question 1

Following her experience of being mugged, Amina learned to associate being mugged (an unconditioned stimulus) with going outside alone (a neutral stimulus) by classical conditioning. Going outside alone then becomes a conditioned stimulus producing the anxiety she felt when being mugged (a conditioned response). She then avoids going out on her own so she escapes the anxiety it would have caused her. The relief she feels then negatively reinforces her fear of going outside alone meaning that the behaviour will be maintained and become more likely to happen.

Answer 1

Following her experience of being mugged, Amina learned to associate being mugged (an unconditioned stimulus) with going outside alone (a neutral stimulus) by classical conditioning. Going outside alone then becomes a conditioned stimulus producing the anxiety she felt when being mugged (a conditioned response). She then avoids going out on her own so she escapes the anxiety it would have caused her. The relief she feels then negatively reinforces her fear of going outside alone meaning that the behaviour will be maintained and become more likely to happen.