The behavioural approach to explaining phobias.

Question 1

Mowrer (1960)

Answer 1

proposed a two process model to explain how phobias are formed and maintained

Question 2

What did he say?

Answer 2

He stated that they are acquired by classical conditioning and maintained by operant conditioning - specifically negative reinforcement in that avoiding the thing you are afraid of reduces the anxiety you feel and as a result, the behaviour continues.

Question 3

Classical conditioning

Answer 3

states that we learn through association between two things. For example, with phobia we learn a fear of something by associating it with something that makes us afraid already. (Little Albert)

Question 4

Evaluation strength: good practical application

Answer 4

it has led to effective therapies such as systematic desensitisation which have patients unlearn their fear response by replacing it with one of relaxation.

Question 5

Evaluation weakness: reductionist

Answer 5

fails to take into account the evolutionary basis of phobias in that it helped us in hunter gatherer times.

Question 6

Evaluation weakness: phobias do not always follow trauma

Answer 6

there must be other reasons than associations that causes phobia.

Question 7

Evaluation weakness: avoidance behaviour

Answer 7

is not just motivated by reduced anxiety, i.e agoraphobics feel safety in not leaving the house.