Phobias: Two-Process Model

Question 1

two process model - Mourner 1947

Answer 1

explains how phobias are learned through 2 steps:
- association created between stimulus and fear response (CC)
- the phobias is maintained through reinforcement (OC)

Question 2

little Albert generalisation

Answer 2

Albert developed phobias of objects with similar characteristics as the white rat e.g beard, dog, etc

Question 3

operant conditioning

Answer 3

States phobias are maintained through reinforcement. avoidance and panic are increased as a result of being reinforced

Question 4

negative reinforcement

Answer 4

avoiding the feared stimulus removes anxiety/fear therefore increasing the likeliness of avoidance

Question 5

positive reinforcement

Answer 5

feared response can bring positive consequences e.g. care and attention from others so these positive consequences increase the likelihood of panic

Question 6

behavioural explanation strengths

Answer 6

• research evidence to support e.g Watson and Rayner creating a fear in little albert
• practical applications e.g. systematic desensitisation

Question 7

systematic desensitisation

Answer 7

based on the idea that phobias are learnt via CC so can be unlearn by changing the CR to a learned response of relaxation

Question 8

stages of SD

Answer 8

• anxiety hierarchy, relaxation, and exposure (in vitro: imaging and in vivo)

Question 9

reciprocal inhibition

Answer 9

we cannot feel fear and relaxation at the same time as they’re opposite biological processes

Question 10

SD in operant conditioning

Answer 10

• receiving pride and praise each time a step is successfully completed (positive reinforcement)
• each step removes more anxiety (negatively reinforced)

Question 11

SD limitations

Answer 11

• symptom substitution e.g fear becomes represented by something else
• cognitive factors may be more important than relaxation e.g. psychotherapies
• not appropriate to treat all phobias e.g. can’t treat evolutionary phobias as they aren’t learnt