Learning Key Question

• Key Question

  Would it be a good idea for airline companies to offer treatment programmes for fear of flying​
• AO1 1 - fear of flying

  The fear of flying is known as Aerophobia, and is characterised in the DSM-V by a persistent fear of aeroplanes, rapid anxiety response when exposed to aeroplanes, and attempts to avoid travelling by plane that significantly interfere with the person's life​
• AO1 2 - airlines

  It is estimated that 2-5% of people suffer from aerophobia, prompting some airline companies to offer their own fear reduction treatment programmes. Manchester airport offers 3 free therapy  with a clinical psychologist.​
• AO1 3 - easyjet

  Easyjet also offer a treatment programme consisting of 3 steps, trust (allowing people to understand all noises, sensations and movements of a plane), psychological (which is clinical therapy sessions), and confidence (where the P practices getting on the plane and taking off.​
• AO1 4 - good idea

  It is a good idea for airline companies to offer treatment programmes for the fear of flying as it will benefit them economically (more people will want to fly = more profit), benefit people emotionally by minimising their distress, and socially, as it provides a good reputation for the company doing so.​
• AO2 - learning theory, SD, cc


  According to learning theory, phobias are learnt, and so can be unlearnt. Systematic desensitisation is a therapy based on CC, that learning is a consequence of assocation. So someone with a fear of flying has associated flying with a negative experience e.g. sudden crash or dying​
• AO2 2 - reciprocal inhibition

  Systematic desensitisation works on the principle of reciprocal inhibition – that you cant experience 2 conflicting emotions at the same time such as fear and joy​
• AO2 3 - Virgin + easyjet (counter-conditioning)

  -Airline companies such as Virgin and EasyJet are providing courses that teach relaxation techniques to patients, to counter-condition them to associate flying with deep relaxation rather than fear​
• AO2 4 - counterconditioning process

  The counter conditioning works by pairing the UCS of deep breathing (which causes the UCR of calm feelings) with the CS of the plane which previously caused the CR of fear. With enough successful pairings, the CS of the plane will lead to the new CR, of calm feelings​