behavioural explanations - phobias

• two process model is behavioural explanation for phobias - including classical and operant conditioning - mowrer
• two process model states phobias are acquired (learnt in first place) by classical conditioning and then continues because of operant conditioning (reinforcement)
• classical conditioning and operant conditioning are involved in the two process model created by mowrer
• classical conditioning is learning to associate something we have no fear with to something that already triggers fear response
• example of classical conditioning applied to phobias - little albert study

  • watson/rayner
  • created phobia in 9 month old
  • taught albert to associate white rat (NS) with loud noise - iron bar (UCS) which created fear (UCR)
  • resulted in albert becoming frightened (CR)
  • whenever he saw white rat (CS) he became frightened
• operant conditioning

  • mowrer explained reason why phobias are long lasting is because of operant conditioning
  • operant conditioning takes place when behaviours are reinforced/punished
  • suggests when we avoid phobic stimulus we escape fear + anxiety we would have suffered if we remained there
• mowrer suggests phobias are acquired as result of classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning

  • example - person terrified of spiders is likely to run away when they see one - escaped + reduction of fear acts as negative reinforcer (increase in avoiding spiders in future)
  • when we avoid phobic stimulus we successfully escape fear + anxiety we would have suffered if we remained there
  • reduction in fear - reinforces the avoidance behaviour whereby phobia is maintained
• evaluation points for behavioural explan for phobias

  • cognitive aspects of phobia ignored (-)
  • application to real world (+)
  • incomplete explan of phobias
• cognitive aspects of phobias ignored (-) - eval for explan of phobias

  • two process model is good as it explains the behavioural characteristics of phobias
  • however - known that there is cognitive element which explains behaviours - cognitive element hasnt been explained in two process model
  • limitation as model cannot fully explain how phobias develop alongside all characteristics associated with phobias
• application to real world (+) as eval point for behavioural explan of phobias

  • two process model has been applied to real life situations through good explanatory power
  • model outline show phobias can be maintained over time were patients need to be exposed to feared stimulus during therapy
  • upon practicing prevention of avoidance behaviour in therapy - behaviours are ceased and start to decline
  • strength of two process model due to application to therapy
• incomplete explan of phobias (-) - explan of phobias

  • researcher points out evolutionary factors have important role in acquiring phobias - two process model doesnt explain this
  • example - easily acquire phobias which have been source of danger in evolutionary past (snakes,dark)
  • however - rare to develop fear of cars/guns which are seen as more dangerous now
  • appears there is more to acquiring phobias than just conditioning (evolutionary factors)