Explaining phobias - Behavioural

• What does the two process model proposed by Mowrer state about behavior?

  All behavior is learned
• How does the two process model explain phobias?

  It explains the behavioral symptoms of phobias
• What are the two types of conditioning in the dual process model?

  Classical and operant conditioning
• How are phobias acquired according to the model?

  Phobias are acquired by classical conditioning
• What role does operant conditioning play in phobias?

  It maintains phobias through reinforcement
• Who conducted the research study on Little Albert?

  Watson and Rayner
• What was the initial reaction of Little Albert to the white rat?

  He tried to play with it
• What was the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in the Little Albert study?

  The loud noise
• What was the neutral stimulus (NS) in the Little Albert study?

  The white rat
• What does negative reinforcement involve?

  Avoiding an unpleasant situation
• What does Mowrer suggest happens when we avoid a phobic stimulus?

  We escape fear and anxiety
• How does a phobia develop according to the behavioral explanation?

  • Learning by association of a UCS with a CS
  • Producing a CR
  • A fear is acquired when a previously neutral stimulus is associated with a frightening event
• What is a strength of the behavioral explanation of phobias?

  Real world application in exposure therapies
• What did Ad De Jongh et al find about dental phobia?

  73% had traumatic experiences related to dentistry
• How does the control group compare to those with dental anxiety?

  21% experienced a traumatic event
• What is a counterpoint to the behavioral explanation of phobias?

  Snake phobia occurs without traumatic experiences
• What is a limitation of the behavioral explanation of phobias?

  It does not account for cognitive aspects