The Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias

Question 1

Who developed the 2 process model

Answer 1

Mowrer

Question 2

What is the 2 process model

Answer 2

Based on behavioural approach to phobias
First the phobia is learned by classical conditioning, and then sustained by operant conditioning

Question 3

What was the little Albert study

Answer 3

Gave Albert a fear of white fluffy animals

White rat - neutral stimulus
Loud noise - unconditioned stimulus
Fear - conditioned stimulus
Albert becomes scared of white rat by associating loud noise with the rat.
Expanded to all white fluffy things

Question 4

What is little Albert an example of

Answer 4

Acquisition by classical conditioning

Question 5

How does operant conditioning work with phobias

Answer 5

Operant conditioning - positive and negative reinforcement
Eg avoidance - reduces fear and anxiety which is negative reinforcement. Therefore we keep doing it so phobia is maintained

Question 6

What is the limitation to the 2 process model

Answer 6

Didn’t account cognitive aspects of phobias
Eg we know some people hold irrational beliefs. This approach doesn’t explain why
Therefore doesn’t explain all aspects of phobias

Question 7

What are the 2 strengths of the 2 process model

Answer 7

Real world application - exposure therapies (reduces operant conditioning)

Evidence for link between bad experience and phobias eg little Albert

However not all phobias due to bad experience - eg fear is snakes in contrived where snakes are not common