explaining phobias

• the two-process model (mowrer 1960) is based on the behavioural approach to phobias; this states that phobias are acquired (learned) by classical conditioning and then continue because of operant conditioning
• process 1: classical conditioning - learning through association

  process 2: operant conditioning - learning through reinforcement
• watson and rayner (1920) demonstrated how a phobia can be acquired through classical conditioning with little albert
• once the association is made, the response can be strengthened via negative reinforcement
• fears may be acquired through vicarious learning - social learning theory: may be most likely to imitate parents/close family - identification
• negative reinforcement in the context of phobias:

  • once a fear is established, the individual avoids the fear producing object or situation
  • avoidance = pleasant consequence, behaviour likely to be repeated
  • mowrer suggested that avoidance of a phobic stimulus means that we successfully escape fear and anxiety
  • this reduction in fear reinforces avoidance behaviour which maintains the phobia