behavioural approach to explaining and treating phobias

• What does the behavioural approach emphasize in explaining phobias?

  Role of learning in behaviour acquisition
• What is the two-process model proposed by Mowrer?

  Phobias are learned by classical conditioning
• How are phobias maintained according to the two-process model?

  Through operant conditioning and reinforcement
• What is classical conditioning in the context of phobias?

  Association leading to phobia acquisition
• Who conducted the Little Albert experiment?

  Watson
• What role does operant conditioning play in phobias?

  Explains long-lasting nature of phobias
• What are the two types of reinforcement in operant conditioning?

  Positive and negative reinforcement
• What is the focus of negative reinforcement in phobias?

  Avoiding unpleasant stimuli to reduce anxiety
• How does avoidance behavior reinforce phobias?

  It reduces fear and maintains the phobia
• What does the behavioural explanation for phobias provide in terms of therapy?

  It explains the need for exposure to feared stimuli
• What percentage of dental phobics experienced trauma according to De Jongh et al (2006)?

  73%
• What does the control group in De Jongh et al (2006) indicate?

  Only 21% had experienced a traumatic event
• What does the evidence from De Jongh et al (2006) confirm?

  Association between stimulus and unconditioned response
• What is a limitation of the behavioural explanation for phobias?

  Not all phobias follow a bad experience
• What is a counterpoint to the behavioural explanation of phobias?

  Phobias have a cognitive component as well
• What is systematic desensitisation (SD)?

  Progressive exposure to anxiety-inducing situations

  
• What are the three processes involved in systematic desensitisation?

  1. The anxiety hierarchy
  2. Relaxation
  3. Exposure

  
• How does counter-conditioning work in systematic desensitisation?

  Learning to relax when faced with a phobia

  
• What is reciprocal inhibition in the context of phobias?

  One emotion prevents the other during exposure

  
• What is a strength of systematic desensitisation (SD)?

  Evidence of effectiveness in reducing fear
• What did Gilroy et al (2003) find about patients who underwent SD?

  They were less fearful than a control group
• Why is SD useful for people with learning disabilities?

  It does not require high cognitive engagement
• What is flooding in the context of phobia treatment?

  Inescapable exposure to the phobia
• What is the theory behind flooding treatment?

  Stops phobic responses quickly through exposure

  
• How does flooding help patients learn about their phobia?

  They learn the phobic stimulus is harmless
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of flooding as a treatment for phobias?

  Strengths:

  • Quick exposure to phobia
  • Reduces phobic responses rapidly

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Can be distressing for patients
  • Not suitable for all phobias