PHOBIAS EXPLANATIONS & TREATMENTS ( pyschopathology)

Question 1

Outline the two process model as an explanation for phobias

Answer 1

The two process model was proposed to explain how phobias are learnt. The first stage is classical conditioning ( initiation) and the second stage is operant conditioning ( maintenance)

Question 2

Outline classical conditioning : initiation as explanation of phobias

Answer 2

A phobia is acquired through association . For instance in the little albert experiment
White rat ( ns) - no response
loud noise ( ucs) - fear response ( ucr)
loud noise + white rat ( ucs + ns) - fear response (ucr)
white cat (cs ) - fear response ( cr)
- when albert saw a furry rat he cried , presumably because the object was now associated with fear . his phobia also generalised to other furry white objects eg. a non- white rat , fur coat

• The same steps can explain how a person might develop a fear of social situations after having a panic attack in such a situation.

Question 3

Outline operant conditioning : maintenance as an explanation of phobias

Answer 3

Operant conditioning - the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated is increased if the outcome is rewarding . In the case of a phobia , the avoidance of the phobic stimulus reduces fear which reinforces it known as negative reinforcement . The indiviuduals avoid anxiety by avoiding the phobia entirely

Question 4

One limitation of the two process model

Answer 4

The process model ignores cognitive factors. There are cognitive aspects to phobias that cannot be explained in a traditionally behaviourist framework.

the cognitive approach proposes that phobias may develop as the consequence of irrational thinking. eg a person in a lift may think “I could become trapped and suffocate” this could trigger anxiety and a phobia

This alternative explanation is that it leads to cognitive therapies like CBT that may be more successful than behaviourist treatments .

Question 5

Outline Systematic Desensitisation (SD) as a treatment of phobias

Answer 5

through classical conditioning a patient is taught to associate the phobic stimulus with a new response .

1. Relaxation - The therapist teaches the patient relaxation techniques . The patient can achieve this through focusing in their breathing and taking slow , deep breaths .
2. Desensitisation hierarchy - The therapist gradually introduces the feared situation to the patient . At each stage the patient practises relaxation so the situation is less overwhelming and their anxiety diminishes .

Question 6

Describe how flooding treats phobias

Answer 6

The patient with a phobia is immersed in the experience in a long session , experiencing their phobia at its worst . The session continues until the patient’s anxiety has disappeared.

Question 7

Evaluate SD as a treatment to phobias

Answer 7

Strength - SD is effective for a range of phobias . Mcgrath reported about 75 % of patients with phobias respond to SD. This demonstrates the effectiveness of SD, but also the value of using a range of different exposure techniques.

Limitation - SD may not be effective against all phobias . Ohman suggests SD may not be as effective in treating phobias that have an underlying evolutionary survival component eg. fear of the dark , fear of heights . This suggests that SD can only be used effectively in tackling some phobias

Question 8

Evaluate Flooding as a treatment of Phobias

Answer 8

Strength - Flooding can be an effective treatment for those who stick with it and it is relatively quick . Choy et al reported both SD and flooding were effective but flooding was the most effective . On the other hand craske concluded that SD and flooding were equally effective .

Limitation - individual differences , flooding is not for every patient . It can be a highly traumatic procedure , although patients are aware of this some end up quiting during the treatment which reduces effectiveness of the therapy for some people.