phobias (approach)

Question 1

behavioural approach to EXPLAINING phobias

Answer 1

two step model
Mowrer 1960

Question 2

two step model

Answer 2

classical conditioning
operant conditioning

Question 3

classical conditioning - Little Albert

Answer 3

unconditioned stimulus —> unconditioned response
(loud noise). (fear)

unconditioned stimulus + neutral stimulus —>. unconditioned response
(noise + rat). (fear)

conditioned stimulus —>. conditioned response
(rat). (fear)

Question 4

operant conditioning

Answer 4

• the behaviour is strengthened when an unpleasant consequence is removed
• the sufferer avoids the anxiety by avoiding the situation which negatively reinforces the phobia

Question 5

evaluation of behavioural approach

Answer 5

biological preparedness
traumatic experiences
real world application

Question 6

biological preparedness : EVALUATION OF BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH

Answer 6

Seligman
- argues that phobias can develop without a traumatic event
- argues that animals including humans are genetically programmed to learn an association between dangerous stimulus and fear
- things that would be dangerous in the evolutionary past are more common than modern fear

Question 7

traumatic experiences : EVALUATION OF BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH

Answer 7

DiNardo
- found that only 50% o f dog phobics had a fearful experience
- 50% had a fearful dog experience but no dog phobia

Question 8

real world application : EVALUATION OF BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH

Answer 8

• treatments such as systematic desensitisation and flooding have been developed from the two process model
• have been proved successful in being able to unlearn phobias

Question 9

behavioural approach to TREATING phobias

Answer 9

systematic desensitisation
flooding

Question 10

systematic desensitisation

Answer 10

stage 1 - the client is taught relaxation techniques
stage 2 - construct a hierarchy of fear
stage 3 - the client works through each stage, using the relaxation techniques at every step
- as adrenaline naturally decreases, a new stimulus-response link can be learned between the stimuli and relaxation

Question 11

flooding

Answer 11

• the client is firstly taught relaxation techniques but they are exposed to their fear for a long period of time and in it’s most fearful form
• as adrenaline naturally decreases, a new stimulus-response link can be learned between the stimuli and relaxation

Question 12

evaluation of behavioural treatments

Answer 12

effectiveness
traumatic
cost effective

Question 13

effectiveness : EVALUATION OF BEHAVIOURAL TREATMENTS

Answer 13

McGarth
- systematic desensitisation is 75% effective when treating phobias

Choy et al
- flooding and SD were effective
- flooding was the most effective of the two in treating phobias

Question 14

traumatic : EVALUATION OF BEHAVIOURAL TREATMENTS

Answer 14

• flooding is an unethical treatment
• it can be highly distressing for the individual
• one could argue that their right to withdraw is denied to them during the exposure

Question 15

cost effective : EVALUATION OF BEHAVIOURAL TREATMENTS

Answer 15

Humphrey
- argues that SD is effective even when self administered
- makes it more cost effective