operant explination

• How phobias are MAINTAINED – Operant conditioning
• Although classical conditioning can explain why we develop a phobia, it struggles to explain why our phobias do not become extinct over time.
• According to operant conditioning, phobias can be negatively reinforced. This is where a behaviour is strengthened, because an unpleasant consequence is removed.
• This avoidance reduces the person's feelings of anxiety and negatively reinforces their behaviour, making the person more likely to repeat this behaviour (avoiding) in the future.
• e.g.: Through CC, Kirsty now associates balloons with fear. When she goes into a room with a balloon in it, she feels anxious. She immediately leaves, which makes her feel relieved and calm. Avoiding the balloons gives her a positive feeling, which reinforces her phobia.