Behaviourist

• What does the behaviourist model believe?

  Symptoms of mental illness are learned initially through classical conditioning but are maintained through operant conditioning as they are rewarding
• What is an example of the behaviourist explanation?

  If a person is suffering from OCD and has the need to carry out compulsive acts then doing these acts will make them feel relief which is rewarding
• What are behaviourist treatments: Part 1?

  1. Systematic desensytisation

  • The gradual introduction of a feared stimuli with relaxation training at each stage. This is so the person will form a new association with the feared object or situation
  • ADV: Allows patient to be in control of their own therapy
  • ADV: effective in cases of learned phobias
  • DADV: Not as effective in cases of social phobias (social anxiety)
• What are behaviourist treatments: Part 2?

  Flooding:

  • change of maladaptive behaviour by exposing an individual to their fear at the highest level
  • ADV: Evidence shows it is successful
  • DADV: Not ethical as can cause psychological harm due to its distressing nature