phobias

• what is fear- why does it occur?

  • one of the 6 universal emotions that have developed via evolution (nature) or environmental factors (nurture). Fear serves as a protective purpose
• what classifies as a phobia?

  • fear of an object has to be persistent and affects persons functioning in everyday life
  • exposure to phobic stimulus causes immediate anxiety response
  • object is excessively avoided
  • must be present for 6 months
• how are phobias treated?

  • systematic desensitisaion and flooding therapy.
  • propose theory from CC that fear would need to be learned (nature) so it can be unlearnt by breaking association of stimulus pairing