Psychopathology: Explaining Phobias Flashcards
what’s the two-process model?
Mowrer proposed the two-process model based on the behavioural approach to phobias. this states that phobias are acquired (learned in the first place) by classical conditioning and then maintained because of operant conditioning.
what’s acquisition by classical conditioning?
it’s learning to associate something we initially have no fear to (neutral stimulus) with something that already triggers the fear response (unconditioned stimulus).
what’s the case study of Little Albert?
Watson + Rayner created a phobia in a 9 month old baby. He showed no unusual anxiety at the start. when showed a white rat, a loud noise from an iron bar was present. this noise is the UCS which creates the UCR or fear. when the rat (NS) and noise (UCS) are encountered together repeatedly, they both produce the fear response. the rat is now the CS that produces the fear (CR).
what’s maintenance by operant conditioning?
operant conditioning takes place when behaviour is reinforced or punished. reinforcement increases the frequency of the behaviour. negative reinforcement = the individual wants to avoid the unpleasant situation, which results in the desirable consequence of escaping fear and anxiety.
how is the two-process model a good explanatory power? (A03)
it’s was a definite step when proposed in 1960s as it was beyond Watson + Rayner’s concept of classical conditioning. it explains how phobias are maintained and has important implications to therapies as it explains why patients need to be exposed to their phobias. once they prevent avoidance, the behaviour ceases to be reinforced and declines. this application to therapy is a strength.
how is theere alternaive explanations for avoidance behaviours? (A03)
not all avoidance behaviour is resulted in anxiety reduction. there’s evidence to suggest that some avoidance behaviour is motivated more by positive feelings and safety. this explains why patients with agoraphobia are able to leave their house with a trusted person with little anxiety (Buck). this is a limitation as the two-process model suggests avoidance is motivated by anxiety reduction.
how is the two-process model an incomplete explanation of phobias? (A03)
some aspects of the two-process model require further explaining.Bounton said that evolutionary factors must have an important role but isn’t mentioned. in the evolutionary past, we acquired phobias that are a source of danger. it’s adaptive to acquire such fears. Seligman called it biological preparedness - the innate predisposition to acquire certain fears. this is a limitation as it shows there is more to acquiring phobias than conditioning
