The Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias Flashcards
What is the two process model?
The persistence of all disorders that creates anxiety such as phobias. two processes are classical conditioning for onset operant conditioning for persistence
What is an experiment that shows phobias true behaviourist approach?
- A baby named Albert was initially not afraid of a white rat.
- Researchers paired the rat with a loud, scary noise.
- After several pairings, Albert began to cry just at the sight of the rat—even without the noise.
- He also developed fear toward similar objects (e.g., a rabbit, a fur coat).
Explain maintenance by operant conditioning?
phobias are often long lasting, operant conditioning takes place when a behaviour is reinforced. This is true for both negative and positive reinforcement.
Evaluate one strength of two process model?
it’s real world application and exposure therapies that phobias are maintained by avoiding of the phobic stimulus. This is important in Explaining why people with phobias benefit from being exposed to phobic stimulus. It is reinforced by the experience of anxiety and avoidance therefore declines.
Evaluate one limitation of the two process model?
It does not count for the cognitive aspects of phobias. They also have a significant cognitive component for example people hold irrational beliefs about phobic stimulus thinking that the spider is dangerous but does not offer an adequate explanation for phobic cognition.
Evaluate a further strength of the two process model?
A further strength is linked between experiences and phobias. The little Albert study illustrates how frightening experience can leave a phobia of that stimulus. This is shown from Ad de jongh o who found that 73% of people with a fear of dental treatment experienced a traumatic experience involving dentistry, this can be compared to control group of people with loads and anxiety but only 21% had experienced a traumatic event. This confirms the association between stimulus (dentistry) and an unconditional response. Pain does not lead to development of phobia.
