explaining phobias

• behaviourists suggest that phobias are learned
• Mowrer developed the two-process model in 1960
• classical conditioning = initiation


  =learning through association

  -phobias are caused when a NS is associated with a frightening UCS
• classical conditioning example

  before:

  NS (spider) > no response

  UCS (parents shouting) > UCR (fear)

  
  

  during:

  NS (spider) + UCS (parents shouting) > UCR (fear)

  
  

  after:

  CS (spider) > CR (fear) and avoidance
• operant conditioning = maintenance


  =avoidance of the phobic stimulus is negatively reinforced

  (avoiding spiders prevents the unpleasant consequence)

  -this strengthens and maintains because its successful at reducing fear/anxiety
• responses usually fade but phobias persist
• supporting evidence = little albert (watson and rayner 1920)


  -18 month boy clasically conditioned to have a fear of rats

  everytime he reached for the white rat they would hit a metal bar behind his head, then even a week later he cried when presented with the rat
• evaluating little albert

  -ethical issues = psychological harm, consent

  -population validity = done on a baby, can't be generalised
• evaluating little albert

  -dinardo 1988 = not everyone develops a phobia after a frightening experience

  60% of dog phobics recalled a frightening experience with dogs but 60% of non-phobics also recalled a frightening experience
• two process model AO3 - other factors

  -cognitive factors = irrational beliefs > phobia w/o an experience

  -biological factors = phobias can run in the family - genetic vulnerability
• two process model AO3 - irl application

  -treatments:

  • systematic desensitization - use classical conditioning to treat the phobia
  • flooding - left in an unescapable situation with phobic stimulus