The behavioural approach to explaining phobias

• Two process model- Mowrer (1960)

  Acquisition by classical conditioning:

  Associating something we have initially have no fear of (Neutral Stimulus) with something that already triggers a fear response (Unconditioned Stimulus)

  Watson and Raynor (1920)- 'Little Albert'- No fear of rat initially. Paired rat w/ loud noise (Unconditioned Stimulus) which produced fear (Unconditioned Response). Albert was now scared (Conditioned Response) of the rat (Conditioned Stimulus).

  Conditioning was generalised to similar objects- Albert was distressed at non-white rabbit and fur coat.
• Two process model

  Maintenance by operant conditioning:

  Responses made by classical conditioning tend to decline over time, but phobias are often long lasting.

  Takes place when our behaviour is reinforced or punished. Reinforcement increases frequency of behaviour. True for positive and negative reinforcement (individual avoids situation that is unpleasant). Such behaviour results in a desirable consequence, so behaviour is repeated.

  When we avoid phobic stimulus we successfully escape fear and anxiety- reinforces the phobia behaviour so phobia is maintained
• Two process model- evaluation

  Good explanatory power- step forward from Watson and Rayner's concept of classical conditioning, also explains how phobias are maintained. Important implications in therapy- need to be exposed to phobic stimulus

  Alternative explanation for avoidance behaviour- not always motivated by anxiety reduction but by safety (someone with agoraphobia can leave house with trusted person but not alone)
• Two process model- evaluation 2

  An incomplete explanation of phobias- Bounton (2007)- evolutionary factors. Adaptive to acquire phobias that were dangerous in our evolutionary past (snakes or the dark). Seligman (1971) called this biological preparedness- the innate predisposition to acquire certain fears. Phobias of cars or guns aren't common- too recent?