The behavioural approach- Explaining phobias Flashcards
A01
Outline The behavioural approach to explaining phobias
The behaviourist approach emphasises the role of learning in the acquisition of behaviour
It explains behaviour in terms of what is observable & learned
A01
Outline the Two process model(Mowrer)
Mowrer(1960)proposed the two process model based on behaviourist approach to phobia
Phobias are aquired through classical conditioning(Learning through association) & maintained via operant conditioning(Learning from consequences)
A01
define classical conditioning
In terms of phobias
Classical conditioning involves learning to associate something of which we initially have no fear( neutral stimulus) with something that already triggers fear response (unconditioned stimulus)
A01
Outline Watson & Rayners study
- created phobia in 9-month old baby ‘little albert’
- albert showed no anxiety at start of study
- When showed white rat tried playing with it
- Experiment was set to give Albert Phobia
- whenever rat present to Albert-Researcher made loud noise by banging iron bar close to alberts ear.
>noise (unconditioned stimulus (UCS) creates unconditioned response(UCR) of fear.
>when rat(neutral stimulus, NS) & UCS(noise) encountered together
>Ns becomes associated with UCS,-producing fear response
>albert then displayed fear when saw rat (NS)
>rat is now conditioned stimulus -producing conditioned response
The acquisition of the phobia by classical conditioning:
Phobic objects are at first a neutral stimulus (NS) and do not produce a phobic response
However, if it is then presented with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS), that produces an unconditioned response (UCR) then, the NS will become associated with the UCS and then the fear (phobia), will occur whenever the NS is there
This means the NS becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) and the UCR becomes the conditioned response (CR
A01
Outline Maintenance by Operant conditioning
Operant conditioning takes place when behaviour reinforced (rewarded) or punished.
Reinforcement increases frequency of behaviour-for both positive/negative reinforcement
>In case of negative reinforcement- a person aware of their phobia will try avoid phobic object such behaviour results in desirable consequence means behaviour is repeated
Mowrer-suggested when we avoid phobic stimulus we reduce fear & anxiety experienced if we remained there.
Reduction of fear reinforces avoidance behaviour& so phobic stimulus is maintained
Operant conditioning- form of learning in which behaviour is shaped & maintained by its consequences
A03
Real world application of two process model can be applied in Systematic desensitisation (strength)
TPM-real world applications in exposure therapy( systematic desensitisation)
the distinctive element of TPM that phobias are maintained by avoidance of phobic stimulus
this important as it explains why ppl with phobias benefit from being exposed to phobic stimulus
>the phobia is the avoidance behaviour so when avoidance prevented, the phobia is cured
>shows value of TPM in treating phobias
A03
Two process model does not account for Cognitive aspects of phobias
Limitation
- Behavioural explanations of two process model only explains phobia in terms of behaviour
- but phobias are not only behavioural, they have cognitive components
- ppl hold irrational beliefs about phobic stimulus(thinking spider dangerous)
- TPM does not provide explanation for phobic cognitions
- doesnt explain all symptoms of phobia
two process model-TPM
A03
evolutionary explanations
limitations
- Humans dont often display phobic responses to objects that cause most pain to day to day lives such a knives or cars, however phobias of snakes & spiders are more common
- hence behavioural responses better explained by evolutionary theory for those phobias which exist that would once have been dangerous to our ancestors,
E.g. Darkness, snakes, and dogs. Evolutionary theory explains this as preparedness (Seligman 1971).
