Explanation

• Who proposed the two-process model?

  Mowrer (1947)
• What is the two-process model?

  Explains how phobias are learned through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning
• What is the aim of understanding phobias?

  Reintegrating individuals back into being functioning members of society
• What does classical conditioning refer to?

  Stimulus-response association
• How is a phobia acquired through classical conditioning?

  Lift (neutral stimulus) contiguously paired with being trapped (unconditioned stimulus); lift becomes conditioned stimulus causing response of fear, which is the conditioned response
• What is expected of a person’s phobia over time?

  They should weaken, but most phobias are long-term according to Mowrer
• How are phobias prevented from decay through operant conditioning?

  Negative enforcement: behaviour is strengthened because an unpleasant consequence is removed so the behaviour is likely to be repeated
• Give an example of negatively enforced behaviour

  A person with a phobia of lifts may take the stairs (avoidance behaviour); due to reductions in anxiety the behaviour is negatively reinforced