Behaviourist Explanation for Phobias

• What is the focus of the study material?

  Psychopathology and behavioural explanations of phobias
• What are the key characteristics of phobias, depression, and OCD?

  • Behavioural characteristics
  • Emotional characteristics
  • Cognitive characteristics
• What model explains the behavioural approach to phobias?

  The two-process model
• How are phobias acquired according to Mowrer's two-process model?

  Through classical conditioning
• What is the role of the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in phobia acquisition?

  It naturally causes fear
• How are phobias maintained according to Mowrer's model?

  Through operant conditioning
• What is an example of negative reinforcement in phobia maintenance?

  Avoiding the feared object reduces anxiety
• What are the strengths of Mowrer's two-process model?

  • Supported by the Little Albert study
  • 73% of dentistry phobia cases linked to trauma
  • Leads to effective therapy like systematic desensitisation
• What are the limitations of Mowrer's two-process model?

  • Not all phobias follow bad experiences
  • Some phobias are more common than others
  • Biological preparedness offers a better explanation
• What does biological preparedness suggest about phobias?

  Some phobias are evolutionarily predisposed
• How does the behaviourist explanation of phobias relate to the nature-nurture debate?

  It takes the nurture side of the debate
• How did Amina acquire her phobia according to the two-process model?

  Through classical conditioning after being mugged
• What is the conditioned response in Amina's case?

  Anxiety when going out
• How does Amina's avoidance behavior reinforce her phobia?

  It reduces her anxiety, encouraging avoidance
• What cognitive components might Amina have regarding her phobia?

  Irrational beliefs about being mugged again
• What does the two-process model fail to account for in Amina's phobia?

  The cognitive components of her phobia
• What are the key terms related to the two-process model?

  • Two-Process Model
  • Phobia acquisition
  • Phobia maintenance
• What is phobia acquisition?

  The initial learning of a phobia
• What is phobia maintenance?

  Negative reinforcement of avoidance behavior
• What ethical issue arises in conducting field experiments on phobias?

  Potential harm and distress to clients
• How could a field experiment be structured to study phobias?

  Randomly allocate clients to conditions
• What is the significance of the links provided for further study?

  • Overview of the theory
  • Evaluation of the two-process model