Behavioural Explanation

• The behavioural approach uses a two process model to suggest the cause and maintenance of phobias
• Acquisition of phobia

  classical conditioning
• Little Albert

  UCS (loud noise) ---> UCR (fear)

  UCS (loud noise) + NS (rat) ---> UCR (fear)

  CS (rat) ---> CR (fear)
• Maintenance of phobia

  operant conditioning
• A phobia is maintained through avoidance and negative reinforcement

  When the individual avoids their phobia, they are negatively reinforced. A decrease of anxiety acts as a reward, strengthening their phobia
• Behavioural Strength

  scientific! measured objectively. Little Albert case study shows variables can be manipulated and controlled ---> valid
• Behavioural Weakness

  deterministic :( ignores free will and environment
• Behavioural Weakness

  reductionist :( suggests complex mental disorders are just caused by stimulus response. holism better
• characteristics of phobias

  behavioural - avoidance

  cognitive - irrational beliefs

  emotional - fear