explanations phobias

• one explanation of phobias is that they are learned through classical conditioning (behaviourist approach)
• the two process model is an explanation of phobias that suggests that phobias are the result of two processes: classical conditioning (acquiring phobia) and operant conditioning (maintaining phobia)
• phobias are acquired through association between a stimulus that triggers a fear response naturally being paired with a neutral stimulus
• two process model is an explanation of phobias proposed by mowrer
• limitation of 2 process model- doesn't account for the cognitive aspects of phobias - doesn't explain phobic cognitions so not a full explanation
• supportive evidence for 2 process model - little Albert - shows how a frightening stimulus can cause a phobia of that stimulus (rat)
• strength of two-process model - it has lead to the development of treatments for phobias
• opposing evidence for behavioural explanation - seligman - suggested phobias are as a result of 'preparedness' - we tend to acquire phobias of things that pose as dangerous to us - suggesting phobias may have an innate evolutionary element