Psychopathology- Behavioural approach to explaining and treating phobias- TB Flashcards
How does the behavioural approach explain phobias?
Suggests they are learned behaviours
Who proposed the two-process model?
Mowrer (1947)
What model explains how phobias are acquired and maintained?
The two-process model
What is the first stage of the two-process model?
Acquisition of the phobia via classical conditioning
What occurs in the first (acquisition) stage of the two-process model?
A NS is paired with a UCS and becomes associated to cause a UCR via this classical conditioning, so the CS leads to a CR without the UCS
What is the second stage of the two-process model?
Maintenance of the phobia via operant conditioning
What occurs in the second (maintenance) stage of the two-process model?
Negative reinforcement , avoidance of the feared object=reward
How might a fear of a dog be negatively reinforced?
Take away dog and comfort person
What is negative reinforcement?
Taking away something unpleasant, increasing the likelihood of a behaviour occurring
What is the key study to do with the behavioural approach to explaining phobias?
Little Albert- Watson & Rayner (1920)
What was the aim of the Little Albert study (1920)?
To show how emotional responses can be learned through classical conditioning
What was the procedure of the Little Albert study (1920)?
11 month old Albert presented with furry animals/objects & was content with it, then a loud noise was made with a steel bar every time the animals/objects were present- 3 times
Repeated a week later
What were the findings of the Little Albert study (1920)?
Albert began to cry & was very distressed whenever he was presented with one of these animals/objects or anything similar to them
What research method was used in the Little Albert study (1920)?
Laboratory experiment
What was the 1) NS/CS, 2) UCS & 3) UCR/CR in the little albert study?
1) Furry animals/ objects
2) Loud noise
3) Fear
What aspect of the two-process model does the Little Albert study (1920) demonstrate?
The acquisition phase
What are 5 limitations of the behavioural explanations of phobias?
1) Some cant relate their phobias to experience
2) Diathesis-stress model
3) Research evidence to support social learning as an explanation
4) Cognitive factors overlooked by the two-process model
5) Biological preparedness may explain why some phobias are more prevalent than others
Explain relating phobias to experience as a support/criticism of behavioural explanations of phobias
Some can relate which supports explanation, but some people can’t- meaning phobias may be due to other processes (or they forgot)
Explain the diathesis-stress model as a limitation of behavioural explanations of phobias
Suggests we inherit a genetic vulnerability to develop phobias & mental disorders, but will only manifest itself when triggered, so phobia only develops if gene is present
What research evidence is there to support social learning as an explanation of phobias rather than behavioural
Bandura & Rosenthal (1966) A model acted in pain when a buzzer went off, observants then demonstrated acquired fear response
Explain ignoring cognitive factors as a limitation of the two-process model
e.g. irrational thoughts may create extreme anxiety & trigger a phobia
Explain biological preparedness as a limitation of behavioural explanation of phobias
Seligman (1970) argued people are genetically more likely to learn survival related stimuli due to our evolutionary past- explaining why ancient fears are more prevalent than modern fears
What are the two behavioural treatments of phobias?
1) Systematic desensitisation (SD)
2) Flooding
How many stages does SD have?
5
