A03 behavioural approach phobias

• treatments based on model are very successful e.g. systematic desensitisation, with certain phobias. for example success rates between 60-90% for spider phobias. this also suggests behavioural approach is correct in proposing how phobias was initiated as treatment is based on learning and unlearning.
• there is research to support model as it was found over half the people with a fear of dogs could relate their fear to a frightening experience. therefore supports idea phobic stimulus was originally neutral but became learned. as a result explanation is valid.
• approach does not explain why people may experience frightening experiences but not develop phobia. for example in a control group of pts without a phobia of dogs, a similar proportion had a fearful incident with a dog. hence, association is not enough to lead to phobia and so must be individual differences in development that is not accounted for by approach.
• two way process model is limited as cannot explain cognitive characteristics. for example people with phobias also have irrational beliefs with phobic stimulus. since approach only focuses on observable behaviour it cannot account for cognitive symptoms and so is not a complete explanation