phobias

• What percentage of the population experiences phobias according to the 2009 survey?

  1. 6% of the population experiences phobias.
• What is a phobia?

  A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by a persistent fear of an object or situation.
• How long must a fear be present to be classified as a phobia?

  The fear must be present for more than six months.
• What is a key characteristic of a phobia?

  The affected person goes to great lengths to avoid the feared object or situation.
• What is the current requirement for diagnosing a phobia regarding the recognition of the fear?

  A person no longer has to recognize that their phobia is excessive or unreasonable to receive a diagnosis.
• What must the anxiety associated with a phobia be in relation to the actual threat?

  The anxiety must be "out of proportion" to the actual threat or danger.
• What must a person present to be diagnosed with a disorder?

  Certain symptoms or characteristics
• How are the symptoms for disorders presented?

  They are presented in diagnostic manuals and regularly updated
• What is a phobia defined as?

  A persistent fear of an object or situation
• What typically happens during a phobic reaction?

  There is a rapid onset of fear and avoidance of the object or situation
• How long must a phobia be present to be diagnosed?

  More than six months
• What happens if the feared object or situation cannot be avoided?

  The affected person will experience significant distress
• What is no longer required for a phobia diagnosis according to the DSM?

  A person must recognize that their phobia is excessive or unreasonable
• What must the anxiety be in relation to the actual threat?

  It must be "out of proportion" to the actual threat
• How are phobias classified according to the DSM-V?

  Into three categories: social, specific, and agoraphobia
• What are the characteristics of phobias according to the DSM?

  • Behavioral: Avoidance, freeze/faint
  • Emotional: Marked fear, anxiety/panic
  • Cognitive: Irrational thinking, recognizing phobia as irrational
• What is the two-process model in the behavioral approach to phobias?

  • Classical conditioning: Initiation of phobia through association
  • Operant conditioning: Maintenance of phobia through negative reinforcement

  
• What does classical conditioning explain in the context of phobias?

  It explains how phobias are acquired through associative learning

  
• What is an example of classical conditioning leading to a phobia?

  A child bitten by a dog develops a fear of all dogs

  
• What does operant conditioning explain in the context of phobias?

  It explains how phobias are maintained through negative reinforcement

  
• How does avoidance behavior relate to operant conditioning in phobias?

  Avoidance reduces anxiety and reinforces the avoidance behavior

  
• What did Watson & Rayner's experiment demonstrate?

  A fear response could be learned through classical conditioning in humans
• Who was the participant in Watson & Rayner's experiment?

  Little Albert, an 11-month-old child
• What was the method used by Watson & Rayner to induce fear in Little Albert?

  Striking a metal bar with a hammer to create a loud noise
• What was the outcome of Watson & Rayner's experiment?

  Little Albert developed a fear of the white rat and similar objects
• What does the term "generalization" refer to in the context of phobias?

  It refers to the fear spreading to similar objects or situations
• How does operant conditioning explain the maintenance of phobias?

  It suggests that avoidance behavior is negatively reinforced

  
• What is the role of negative reinforcement in maintaining phobias?

  It strengthens avoidance behavior by removing unpleasant feelings
• What are the strengths of the behaviorist approach to explaining phobias?

  • Supported by research evidence
  • Provides clear mechanisms for learning and maintenance
• What is negative reinforcement in the context of behavior?

  It is when a behavior is strengthened because an unpleasant consequence is removed.
• What does the conditioned stimulus elicit in individuals with phobias?

  It elicits fear or anxiety.
• How does avoidance of a feared object affect feelings of anxiety?

  It reduces the feeling of anxiety.
• What is the result of avoidance behavior in phobias?

  It is rewarding and strengthens the avoidance behavior.
• What happens to a phobia as avoidance behavior is reinforced?

  The phobia is maintained.
• What is the outcome of negative reinforcement in the context of phobias?

  It makes the person more likely to repeat avoidance behavior in the future.
• What is a key strength of the behaviorist explanation of phobias?

  It is supported by research evidence, such as Watson & Raynor's study with Little Albert.
• What did Watson & Raynor (1920) demonstrate regarding phobias?

  They demonstrated the process of classical conditioning in the formation of phobias.

  
• How have behaviorist ideas been applied in therapy?

  They have been used to develop effective treatments like systematic desensitization and flooding.
• What is a limitation of the behaviorist explanation of phobias?

  It is reductionist and ignores the role of cognition in the formation of phobias.
• What do cognitive psychologists suggest about the development of phobias?

  They suggest that phobias may develop due to irrational thinking, not just learning.