The behavioural approach to explaining phobias Flashcards
Who proposed the two process model?
Orval Hobart Mowrer
What are the two components of the two-process model?
Phobias are aquired through classical conditioning
Phobias are maintained through operant conditioning
Explain the aquisition of phobias through classical conditioning
neutral stimulus (dog) = no response
Unconditioned stimulus
(bitten) = unconditioned response (fear)
UCS (bitten) + NS (dog) = UCR (fear)
CS (dog) = CR (fear)
Explain the maintenance of phobias by operant conditioning
takes place when behaviour is reinforced/punished
negative reinforcement- individual avoids a situation that is unpleasant
this avoidment results in a desirable consequence, therefore behaviour is repeated
e.g avoid dogs = reduced anxiety of being bitten = more likely to keep avoiding dogs
Supporting evidence of this theory (+)
“Little Albert”
- Watson and Rayner created a phobia in 9-month baby
- used classical conditioning, to create a conditioned stimulus (rat)
- CS produced a CR (fear)
- theory is valid
Criticisms of supporting evidence (-)
Watson and Rayner assumed all phobias appear following a bad experience
Presume all frightening experiences lead to phobias
Reduced validity as the findings are not generalisable to all scenarios
Opposing theories to the behavioural approach (-)
The evolutionary theoru suggests we are more likely to fear things that threatened our survival many years ago
- we have a genetic predisposition to avoid things that threatened the survival of our ancestors
How can this theory be applied to the real world? (+)
Therapists can use of operant and classical conditioning to teach participants to feel calm when exposed to phobic stimulus
Is this theory reductionistic? (-)
Doesn’t consider cognitive influences on phobias
e.g the idea that people hold irrational beliefs about the phobic stimulus
