phobias

• Phobia definition - a fearful response towards an object/situation that is disproportionate to the level of danger that they’re in. it is typically obtained through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning
• Explanation of phobia development

  1. Classical conditioning: Neutral stimulus (white rat) paired with unconditioned stimulus (loud noise) results in fear response to neutral stimulus

  2. Operant conditioning: Avoiding phobic stimulus reduces anxiety, reinforcing phobic behavior
• Phobia example


  • Little Albert, white rat (neutral stimulus), loud noise (unconditioned stimulus)
• Phobic behavior is maintained as the phobic stimulus is being avoided, reducing anxiety
• phobia is an irrational fear
• agoraphobia - fear of open spaces, crowds or public places
• claustrophobia - fear of enclosed spaces