Two process model

• Two process model:

  Mowrer, (1960) proposed that there are 2 processes involved in learning/ acquiring a phobia.

  Phobias are first learned through classical conditioning.

  Then they continue to be maintained through operant conditioning.
• Phobias learned firstly by classical conditioning.
• Classical conditioning is the process of acquiring by associating two stimuli together e.g. a rat and loud banging to condition a response.
• Phobias are acquired through classical conditioning.
• How we learn to associate something, is we do not fear(NS), being trapped in a lift, After association has formed, the lift(NS) causes a response of fear(CR), consequently we develop a phobia of lifts.
• Phobias are generalised to similar situations.

  For example, someone who has a phobia of lifts, also has a fear of escalators.
• Phobias are maintained through operant conditioning.
• However, most phobias are a long term thing and according to Mowrer, our phobias are maintained through operant conditioning.
• According to the theory, phobias can be negatively reinforced.
• This is where behaviour is strengthened because an unpleasant consequence is removed.
• Avoidance reduces the person's feelings or anxiety, so negatively reinforces their behaviour, making the person, more likely to repeat this behaviour in the future. As a result, the person continues to avoid lifts and maintain the phobia.
• Phobic responses acquired by classical conditioning can fade over time, which might explain what operant conditioning reinforces them to continue.
• Mowrer suggested that when we avoid a phobic stimulus we successfully escape fear and anxiety.