Explanations of phobias

• Explanations of phobias 


  The behavioural approach states that we learn phobias through a two process model. The phobia is acquired through classical conditioning, and maintained through operant conditioning
• Classical conditioning 


  Phobias can be acquired through associative learning. The process of classical conditioning can explain how we learn to associate something we do not fear (neutral stimulus)
• Operant conditioning 


  Avoid the feared object reduces anxiety, therefore the avoidance is negative reinforcement. We then continue behaviour that is negatively reinforced, therefore we continue to avoid the object/person