The behavioural approach to explaining phobias Flashcards
The two process model Mowrer (1947)
Proposed the two process model to explain how phobias are learned.
1st stage: classical conditioning
2nd stage: operant conditioning occurs
Both processes are needed to explain why phobias begin in the first place and then also continue.
Classical conditioning: initiation
A phobia is aquired through association between the NS such as white furry rat and a loud noise resulting in a new stimulus being learned as demonsted by little albert.
Operant conditioning: maintenance
This process does not explain why individuals continue to feel fearful nor does it explain why individuals avoid.
The likelihood of behaviour being repeated is increased if the outcome is rewarding.
Operant conditioning in the case of phobias
The avoidance of the phobic stimulus reduces the fear and is thus reinforcing. This is an example of negative reinforcement (escaping from an unpleasant situation)
Social learning
Not apart of the two-proess model but it is a neo-behaviourists explanating i.e fear seems reduced.
Phoias may also be acquied through modelling the behaviour of others e.g seeing a parent respond to a spider with exteme fear may lead a child to acquire similar behaviour because of the behaviour appearing as rewarding. i.e fearful person gets attention.
AO3
Describe and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias [16 marks]
STRENGTH: the importance of classical conditioning (AO3)
P: The two-process model is supported by research asking people about their phobias
EV: People with phobias ussually recall a specific incident when their phobias. E.g being bitten by a dog or experiencing panic attack (Sue et al). However, Ost, 1987 explained that not everyone who has phobias can recall such incident.
E: This suggests that different phobias may result in different processes where some can recall and other can’t
L: This demonstrates the role of classical conditioning in developing phobias but other processes may be involved in their maintenance.
Describe and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias [16 marks]
WEAKNESS: INCOMPLETE EXPLANATION
(AO3)
P: There is research that demonstrates that the behavioural approach to explanaing phobias is an incomplete explanation.
E: For example if a neutral stimulus becomes associaTed with a fearful experience the result should be a phobia, however this does not always happen. For instance, Di Nardo et al, 1988 found that not everyone who is bitten by a dog develops a phobia for a dog.
EX: This proposes that we inherit a genetic vulnerability for developing mental disorders. However, a disorder will only develop if it is triggered by a life event, such ass being bitten by a dog
L: This suggeststhat adog bite would only lead to a phobia in those with a vulnerability. Therefore the behavioural explanation is incomplete on its own.
Describe and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias [16 marks]
SUPPORT for social learning
AO3
P: An experiment by Bandura and Rosenthal (1966) supported by the social learning explanation
E: In which a model acted as if he was in pain every time a buzzer sounded. Later on the p’s who had observed this showed an emotional reaction to the buzzer, demonstrating an acquired ‘fear’ response,
E: This demonstrates that modelling the behaviour of other can lead to the acquisition of phobias
L: This therefore indicates that the social learning theory is a good explanation for phobias.
Describe and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias [16 marks]
WEAKNESS: Biologial preparedness
AO3
P: There is evidence to show that phobias do not always develop after a traumatic incident that may be explained in terms of biological preparedness.
E: Seligman (1970) argued that animals, including humans are genetially programmed to rapidly learn an assocating between a potentially life threatning stimulus and fear. his stimuli are reffered to ancient fear - things that would be dangerous in our envolutionary past(eg. snakes, heights or strangers).
E: Therefore explaning why people are much less likely to develop fears of morden objects sch as toasted and cars which are more threating.
L:Therefore suggesting that the behavioural approach cannot explain all phobias.
What AO3 are you using for Behavioural approach to explanaing phobias?
The importance of classical conditioning (strength)
Incomplete explanation (weakness)
Support for social learning theory (Strength)
Biological preparedeness. (Weakness)
