explaining phobias

• What is the behavioural approach to explaining phobias?

  Phobias are learned and maintained through conditioning
• What does the two process model suggest about phobias?

  Phobias are learned through classical and operant conditioning
• How does negative reinforcement relate to phobias?

  It increases the likelihood of avoiding phobic stimuli
• What was the neutral stimulus (NS) in Little Albert's conditioning?

  Rats
• What was the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in Little Albert's experiment?

  Loud bang
• What was the conditioned stimulus (CS) after conditioning in Little Albert's case?

  Rats
• What was the unconditioned response (UCR) during Little Albert's conditioning?

  Fear and anxiety
• What was the conditioned response (CR) after conditioning in Little Albert's case?

  Fear of rats
• How did Little Albert's fear generalize after conditioning?

  Fear extended to similar objects
• What are the strengths of the two process model in explaining phobias?

  1. Real-world application to exposure therapies:

  • Systematic desensitization and flooding derived from it
  • Phobias can be unlearned via counter conditioning
  • Exposure prevents reinforcement of avoidance behavior

  1. Evidence linking bad experiences to phobias:

  • Little Albert case study supports classical conditioning
  • Confirms association between stimulus and unconditioned response
• How do exposure therapies relate to the two process model?

  They are based on the idea of counter conditioning
• What does the case study of Little Albert demonstrate?

  Classical conditioning can lead to phobias
• What are the limitations of the two process model in explaining phobias?

  1. Ignores cognitive aspects of phobias:

  • Does not account for mediating factors
  • Overlooks irrational beliefs about stimuli

  1. Evolutionary theory provides a better explanation:

  • Phobias linked to dangers in evolutionary past
  • Adaptive advantage to fear certain objects
• What cognitive aspects does the two process model overlook?

  It ignores irrational beliefs about stimuli
• What does Seligman's theory suggest about phobias?

  We acquire phobias from evolutionary dangers
• Why are we less likely to fear modern dangers like bombs and cars?

  They are recent additions to our environment
• How does the two process model serve as a partial explanation of phobias?

  It explains learning but not cognitive aspects