Phobias - Explaining and Treating (behavioural approach)

• According to the behavioural approach, how are phobias learned?

  Through interaction with the environment
• Which model explains phobias as being acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning?

  Two-Process Model
• What type of conditioning is involved in the acquisition of phobias?

  Classical conditioning
• In classical conditioning, what happens to a neutral stimulus when it is repeatedly paired with a fear-inducing unconditioned stimulus?

  It becomes a conditioned stimulus that triggers fear
• In the 'Little Albert' study, what was the neutral stimulus (NS)?

  A white rat
• In the 'Little Albert' study, what was the unconditioned stimulus (UCS)?

  A loud, frightening noise
• In the 'Little Albert' study, what type of response (CR) did Albert develop?

  Fear
• What is stimulus generalization as demonstrated in the Little Albert study?

  Fear response extended to other furry objects
• What type of conditioning maintains phobias according to the two-process model?

  Operant conditioning
• How does negative reinforcement maintain a phobia?

  Avoidance of the phobic stimulus is reinforced by relief from fear
• What are the strengths of the behavioral approach to explaining phobias?

  • Real-life application to therapies (e.g., systematic desensitization, flooding)
  • Practicality: Can explain and treat phobias effectively
• What are the weaknesses of the behavioral approach to explaining phobias?

  • Evolutionary theory better explains some common phobias (e.g., snakes, spiders)
  • Ignores cognitive explanations
• What is the principle of reciprocal inhibition in treating phobias?

  One emotion is replaced by another
• In the context of treating phobias, what emotion typically replaces fear?

  Relaxation
• What is the general approach of systematic desensitization (SD)?

  Gradual exposure to the phobic stimulus
• What are the three key steps involved in systematic desensitization?

  • Anxiety Hierarchy: List of situations from least to most frightening
  • Relaxation Techniques: Breathing, imagery, meditation
  • Exposure: Gradual exposure from least to most frightening situations
• What is the purpose of creating an anxiety hierarchy in systematic desensitization?

  To list situations from least to most frightening
• What is the purpose of relaxation techniques in systematic desensitization?

  To induce a state of calm
• What is the main characteristic of flooding as a treatment for phobias?

  Immediate and intense exposure to the phobic stimulus
• Why is preventing escape important in flooding therapy?

  To extinguish the phobia
• What are the strengths of systematic desensitization and flooding as treatments for phobias?

  • SD: Client controls progress
  • Flooding: Faster results, effective for specific phobias
• What are the weaknesses of systematic desensitization and flooding as treatments for phobias?

  • SD: Takes longer and may lack real-world applicability
  • Flooding: Not suitable for everyone (e.g., elderly, heart conditions)