Psychopathology - Behavioural approach

Question 1

What are the strengths to the two-process model?

Answer 1

Can account for unusual phobias

Has applications for therapy - can be deconditioned

Question 2

What are the limitations of the two-process model?

Answer 2

• It cannot account for why some phobias of some common objects/situations are rare (cars) but phobias of uncommon objects/situations are common.
• Some people develop a phobia with no previous awareness of a traumatic, triggering event.
• The model ignores cognitions which may be an important part of the phobia.

Question 3

What are the two behavioural methods used in the treatment of phobias?

Answer 3

Systematic desensitisation

Flooding

Question 4

What are the 4 steps used in systematic desensitisation?

Answer 4

Relaxation (patient learns techniques)
Anxiety hierarchy (least frightening to most frightening)
Exposure (to phobic stimulus whilst practising relaxation techniques)
Success (when the patient can stay relaxed in situations high on the anxiety hierarchy)
(RAES)

Question 5

What is the name for when the phobic stimulus is paired with a response of relaxation instead of anxiety?

Answer 5

Counterconditioning

Question 6

What are the strengths of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 6

It is effective
It is suitable for a diverse range of patients - including children and people with learning disabilities
It is acceptable to patients because the steps are gradual

Question 7

What is flooding?

Answer 7

Overwhelming the individual’s sense with the item or situation that causes anxiety so that the person realises that no harm will occur.
It doesn’t give the option of avoidance and so the patient quickly learns that the phobic stimulus is harmless.

Question 8

Why is flooding not unethical?

Answer 8

Patients give their consent so they know exactly what’s involved. Flooding is not suitable for those who cannot consent.

Question 9

What are the strengths of flooding?

Answer 9

It is cost effective - cheaper and quicker than SD

Question 10

What are the limitations of flooding?

Answer 10

It is less effective for some types of phobias - social phobias have cognitive aspects which are not involved in flooding.
The treatment is traumatic for patients - produces high levels of fear.

Question 11

What is the two process model?

Answer 11

Phobias are learnt through classical conditioning and maintained through operant