Phobias (4) Flashcards
Define Learning theories
Learning theories is a collective term for explanations based on conditioning (classical and operant) this also include social learning theory
Define Acquisition
Acquisition is the process of acquiring something. In this case a phobia.
Define Maintenance
In the case of a phobia acquired by classical conditioning, it would require maintenance to maintain;
What are the three ways of learning phobias?
1) Through classical conditioning
2) Through social learning
3) Through informational learning
What is social learning of phobias?
Social learning of phobias is found through observing others fears of something and interpreting that thing as dangerous. Cook and Mineka (1989) found baby monkeys would observe adult monkeys fearful reactions from toy snakes and would eventually react In the same way.
What are the two main methods of treating phobias?
Flooding and systematic desensitisation
What is systematic desensitisation?
SD is a behavioural therapy where a hierarchy of fear is used and the person works their way upwards from least to most scary. It teaches them to lower anxiety near the fear and takes many session.
What is Flooding?
A behavioural therapy is which a phobic client is exposed to the thing they fear. It happens multiple times across a few sessions
Issues with flooding?
Flooding is highly unethical and a bad experience and if a participant forfeits they may be left with more trauma then they originally had.
Issues with systematic desensitisation?
An issue with systematic desensitisation is that its very expensive and a long process as it has multiple steps and the person must wait until their anxiety slows which may take hours.
