Phobias - behavioural explanations - Two-process model

Question 1

What is the Two-process model?

Answer 1

Phobias are acquired (learned first) through classical conditioning then maintained through operant conditioning

Question 2

Classical conditioning - Little Albert study

Answer 2

• Watson and Rayner
• When shown a white rat (Neutral stimulus), the researcher made a loud frightening noise
• Noise is an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) which creates an unconditioned response (UCR) of fear
• When the rat (NS) and the UCS are encountered close together, the NS becomes associated with the UCS and now produce fear
• The rat is now a conditioned stimulus that produces a conditioned response of fear

Question 3

Operant conditioning

Answer 3

• Responses acquired by classical conditioning usually tend to decline over time but phobias are long lasting
• Mowrer explained this as a result of operant conditioning
• Our behaviour is either reinforced (rewarded) or punished
• Mowrer suggested when we avoid a phobic stimulus we successfully escape fear and anxiety
• The reduction in fear reinforces avoidance behaviour = phobia is maintained

Question 4

Strength of the Two-process model

Answer 4

• Its use in the real world
• Example - exposure therapies - the model explains that in order to overcome a fear, the person must be exposed to the stimulus of the phobia to begin treatment

Question 5

Limitation of the Two-process model

Answer 5

• Some phobias aren’t stimulated from a traumatic experience
• Example - a person having a fear of snakes without ever having encountered a snake
• Implies that some phobias haven’t been gained through association