behavioural

• the two process model

  Mowrer proposed the two-process model based on the behavioural approach to phobias. This states that phobias are acquired by classical conditioning and continue because of operant conditioning
• Acquisition by classical conditioning

  classical conditioning involves associating something we initially have no fear of (neutral stimulus) with something that already triggers a fear response (unconditioned stimulus).
• Acquisiton by classical conditioning pt 2

  Watson and Rayner created a phobia in 9 month old Little Albert. he showed no anxiety at start. He was presented with a white rat that initially caused no fear. Everytime the rat was presented, a loud bang was made near Albert's ear. This noise is the UCS which creates an UCR of fear. Soon after, Albert became afraid when he saw the rat - rat was now a CS that produced CR of fear. This conditioning then generalised to similar objects e.g a fur coat.
• Maintenance by operant conditioning

  Responses acquired by classical conditioning tend to decline overtime - Operant conditioning makes these long term. It takes place when our behaviour is reinforced or punished. In the case of negative reinforcement, an individual avoids a situation that is unpleasant. This results in a desirable consequence meaning avoidant behaviour will be repeated. Mowrer suggested that when we avoid a phobic stimulus we successfully escape the fear and anxiety that we would have suffered if we had remained there. This reduction in fear reinforces avoidance
• Behavioural explanation: phobias [AO3]

  + practical application: It explains how phobias can be maintained overtime - important implications for therapies as it explains why patients need to be exposed to feared stimulus. Once patient can't avoid, fear declines.

  - Alternative for avoidance: don't avoid to reduce anxiety but because of positive feelings of safety. e.g agoraphobics - can leave house with trusted person just not alone

  - incomplete explanation: Bounton - evolutionary factors - acquire phobias of things that were danger in the past