Behaviourist explanation for phobias - two process model

• Outline the two process model as a behaviourist explanation for phobias

  The two-process model proposes that phobias develop through classical conditioning and are maintained through operant conditioning. In terms of classical conditioning, an individual learns to associate a neutral stimulus (e.g. dogs) with an unconditioned stimulus that produces an unconditioned response of fear (e.g. being bitten). This results in the neutral stimulus (e.g. dogs) becoming a conditioned phobic stimulus that produces the conditioned response of fear.
• Outline the two-process model as a behaviourist explanation for phobias - fear generalisation

  Fear generalisation can then occur whereby the individual will fear similar objects/situations.

  Phobias are then maintained through operant conditioning whereby they negatively reinforce their phobia every time they avoid their phobic stimulus

  (because it removes the unpleasant feeling of fear).

  This makes it likely that the person will continue avoiding their phobic stimulus and so fear extinction (the removal of the fear) cannot take place.
• Strength of the two-process model - supporting evidence

  the study on Little Albert showed how an

  infant could be made to develop a phobia of a white rat (initially the neutral stimulus) by striking a metal bar to make a loud noise (unconditioned stimulus}

  every time Little Albert reached for the rat. It was also found that fear generalisation occurred, with little Albert also becoming fearful of similar objects to a

  white rat such as a white rabbit. This is a strength as it shows how individuals can be classically conditioned to develop a phobia. Therefore adds credibility.
• Limitation of the two-process model is that it is too environmentally reductionist

  it explains phobias through stimulus-response learning and so assumes that traumatic experiences should result in the development of a phobia. research has found that 50% of people who had a traumatic experience of being bitten by a dog did not go on to develop a phobia of dogs. limitation suggests cognitive factors may also play a role in affecting whether someone develops a phobia or not e.g. if they have an positive schema of dogs - less likely to develop phobia already negative schema for dogs. ? Cred.
• Two-process model - overly focused on the nurture side

  proposes that all phobias are learned through the environmental experiences of classical and operant conditioning. However, not all phobias are trigged by a traumatic experience. Indeed, biological psychologists propose that due to our evolutionary past, we are born with an increased likelihood of developing some phobias to aid our survival (e.g. fear of snakes as they could poison us). This can better explain cases of phobias where the person has not had a traumatic experience with their phobic stimulus. ? Cred.
• Two-process model resulted in treatments for phobia

  systematic desensitisation treats phobias through the

  process of counterconditioning whereby the client is gradually taught to associate their phobia stimulus with the feeling of relaxation rather than fear.

  flooding prevents an individual's negatively reinforcing avoidance behaviour through immediate exposure so that fear extinction can take place. strength because both treatments have found to be effective ways of treating phobias From two process model adds cred