criticisms

• reductionist 


  -reduces phobias to learnt behaviours

  -too simplistic

  -evolutionary theory > genetically programmed to make associations between life-threatening stimuli & fear

  -- STUDY --

  > infants aged 8-16 months

  > failed to learn fear of building blocks when paired with loud bell

  > fear response only learnt with living animals (EEA)
• deterministic


  -suggests people have no control over phobias as it's determined by environment

  -says learnt association WILL lead to phobia
• Diathesis-Stress Model better


  -proposes we have genetic predisposition for developing mental disorders > phobias (diathesis)

  -disorder only develop if there's environmental trigger (stress)

  -explains why not everyone who's bitten by dog develops phobia

  > must have genetic predisposition for this type of phobia