The behavioural approach to explaining and treating phobias

• Two-process model

  A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
• Classical conditioning

  A phobia is initially learned through classical conditioning. This happens when a neutral stimulus (e.g., a dog) becomes associated with an unpleasant experience (e.g., being bitten by the dog). Over time, the neutral stimulus (the dog) triggers a fear response, even without the unpleasant event occurring again.
• Operant conditioning


  Once a phobia is established, it is maintained through operant conditioning. The person may avoid the feared object or situation (e.g., avoiding dogs). This avoidance behavior is reinforced because it reduces anxiety, making it more likely to occur again in the future. However, this avoidance prevents the person from learning that the feared object or situation is not actually dangerous, which keeps the phobia intact.
• Limitation of two-process model - Cognitive aspects of phobias

  A limitation of the two-process model is that it ignores the cognitive aspects of phobias. It focuses only on conditioning and doesn’t account for irrational thoughts or beliefs, like overestimating danger. Cognitive approaches, such as CBT, highlight how interpretations and responses to fear also influence phobias, which the model misses
• Strength of two-process model - RWA

  A strength of the two-process model is its real-world application in treating phobias. The model has led to the development of effective therapies such as systematic desensitization and flooding, which target the learned fear associations. These therapies are widely used and have been proven effective in treating various phobias, demonstrating the practical value of the model in clinical settings.
• Systematic desentisation

  Systematic desensitisation is a form of behavioral therapy used to treat phobias. It is based on classical conditioning and involves three stages:

  • Relaxation Training: The individual is taught relaxation techniques to counter the anxiety response.
  • Anxiety Hierarchy: The therapist and client create a list of feared situations, ranked from least to most anxiety-inducing.
  • Gradual Exposure: The individual is gradually exposed to the feared object or situation, starting from the least anxiety-provoking, while practicing relaxation.

  The goal is to replace the anxiety response with relaxation, reducing the phobia over time.
• Flooding

  Flooding is a behavioral therapy used to treat phobias by exposing the individual to the feared object or situation immediately and intensively for an extended period. Unlike systematic desensitization, which involves gradual exposure, flooding involves direct, prolonged exposure to the feared stimulus until the anxiety diminishes.

  Procedure:

  1. Immediate Exposure: The individual is exposed to the most anxiety-inducing aspect of their phobia without any gradual buildup.
  2. Prolonged Duration: The exposure continues until the person’s anxiety decreases and they learn the feared object or situation is not as dangerous as initially perceived.
  3. No Escape: The individual cannot avoid or escape the feared situation, which leads to extinction of the fear response.
• Strength of S.D - Evidence of effectiveness

  A strength of S.D. is the supporting evidence from Gilroy et al. (2003). In their study, 42 patients with spider phobia were treated with S.D. and assessed for anxiety levels immediately after treatment and again 33 months later. The results showed that the patients maintained reduced anxiety over the long term, demonstrating that S.D. not only provides short-term relief but also has lasting effectiveness. This supports S.D. as a durable and effective treatment for phobias.
• Limitation of S.D - Time consuming

  A limitation of S.D is that it can be time-consuming and requires significant motivation from the patient. Since it involves gradual exposure, it may take weeks or even months to achieve results. Additionally, some individuals may find the process distressing or uncomfortable, causing them to quit before completing treatment. This makes it less suitable for those seeking a quicker solution or those with low motivation.
• Strength of flooding - cost-effective

  A strength of flooding is that it is cost-effective. Since it involves intense, one-time exposure to the feared stimulus, the treatment is typically much shorter than other therapies like Systematic Desensitization, which requires multiple sessions over an extended period. This means that patients can achieve results in fewer sessions, reducing the overall cost of treatment. The quicker nature of flooding also allows for more patients to be treated in a shorter time, making it a more affordable option for both therapists and clients.
• Weakness of two process model - evolutionary theory

  The two-process model focuses solely on classical and operant conditioning to explain phobias, but it doesn’t consider the evolutionary theory, which suggests we may be biologically predisposed to fear certain stimuli (like snakes or spiders) that were historically dangerous. This makes the two-process model too narrow, as it doesn’t account for innate, evolutionary factors in phobia development.
• Strength of S.D - Client has control over the process

  In systematic desensitisation, the client plays an active role by controlling the pace of the therapy. They can progress through the steps at their own comfort level, which helps them feel more in control and less anxious during treatment, making it a more empowering approach.
• Limitation of flooding - alternative drugs

  Flooding can be distressing and may not be suitable for everyone due to the intense exposure to fear. In contrast, drug treatments like benzodiazepines or SSRIs can help reduce anxiety more gradually and with less immediate distress. These alternatives might be better for individuals who struggle with the intensity of flooding or need a quicker way to manage their phobia-related anxiety.