Behavioural Approach to Explaining Phobias

• Two process model?

  • Mowrer (1960) argued phobias are learned by classical conditioning and then maintained by operant conditioning i.e. two processes are involved.
• Behavioural approach

  • Behavioural approach emphasises the role of learning in the acquisition of behaviour (what we see)
• The Behavioural Approach to explaining phobias?

  1. Acquisition by classical conditioning
  2. Little Albert (Watson & Raynor 1920)

  • 2. Maintenance by operant conditioning (Mowrer)
• Behavioural Approach to Explaining Phobias:

  The behavioural approach emphasises the role of learning in the acquisition of behaviour. Mowrer (1960) proposed the two-process model based on the behavioural approach to phobias.

  
  

  
  

  This states that phobias are acquired by a two process model:

  • Acquisition by classically conditioning
  • and then continue because of operant conditioning (maintenance by operant conditioning)
• 1. Acquisition by classical conditioning:

  • Phobias are acquired through associating a NEUTRAL stimulus with an unpleasant or traumatic event
  • After the association is formed, the neutral stimulus becomes the conditioned stimulus and elicits a fear response.

  Classical Conditioning involves association:

  UCS = Being bitten

  CS = The dogs

  UCR = Pain/fear/anxiety

  NS = The dog

  CR = as a result she avoids dog and feels anxiety/fear

  
• What does the two-process model include

  • Acquisition by classical conditioning
  • Maintenance by operant conditioning
• Acquisition by classical conditioning study?

  • Watson & Rayner (1920) 'Little Albert'
• 'Little Albert Study'


  Watson & Rayner (1920)

  Aim: to prove behaviours/phobias are learnt (nurture debate)

  Procedure:

  9 month old infant: Little Albert

  • Showed him a range of objects/animals and then a white rate numerous times
  • They accompanied white rat with a loud clanging noise

  Found:

  • Other white furry things he was scared by
  • Associated the white rat with the scary noise, and was then on scared of white furry things/rats
  • UCS = the loud noise, UCR = crying/fear, NS = the white rat, CR = fear, CS = the white rat

  Conclusion:

  • Phobia's can be learnt (nurture)
• Acquisition by classical conditioning - explain the steps

  Classical Conditioning involves association

  1. UCS triggers a fear response (fear is a UCR) e.g. being bitten creates anxiety
  2. NS is associated with the UCS, e.g. being bitten by a dog (the dog previously did not create anxiety)
  3. NS becomes a CS producing fear (which is now the CR). The dog becomes a CS causing a CR of anxiety/fear following the bite
• 'Little Albert Study'
 - who, aim, procedure?


  Watson & Rayner (1920) showed how a fear of rats could be conditioned in 'Little Albert'

  Aim: to prove behaviours/phobias are learnt (nurture debate)

  Procedure:

  9 month old infant: Little Albert

  • Showed him range of objects/animals & a white rate numerous times
  • Whenever Albert played with white rat, loud noise made close to his ear. Noise (UCS) caused a fear response (UCR).
  • Rats (NS) didn't create fear until bang & rat been paired together several times
  • Albert showed a fear response (CR) every time he came into contact with rat (now CS)
• 'Little Albert Study' - found, conclusion?

  Found:

  • Other white furry things he was scared by
  • Associated the white rat with the scary noise, and was then on scared of white furry things/rats
  • UCS = the loud noise, UCR = crying/fear, NS = the white rat, CR = fear, CS = the white rat

  Conclusion:

  • Phobia's can be learnt (nurture)

  Generalisation of fear to other stimuli:

  • For example, Little Albert also showed a fear in response to other white furry objects including a fear coat and a Santa Claus mask

  
  

  In the acquisition by classical conditioning section of the topic
• Link between classical & operant conditioning?

  Response acquired by classical conditioning tends to decline over time. But, phobias often long lasting, Mowrer explains this result of maintenance by operant conditioning.
• 2. Maintenance by Operant Conditioning

  Operant conditioning takes place when our behaviour is reinforced or punished.

  • Phobias maintained through Negative reinforcement - individual produces behaviour that avoids something unpleasant
  • Once phobia formed, sufferer will avoid phobic stimulus at all costs to escape anxiety that would been experienced.
  • This behaviour produces consequence of reduction in fear, which is rewarding. Thus avoidance behaviour is reinforced (encouraged) & the phobias continues.
  • The reduction in fear negatively reinforces avoidance behaviour & the phobia is maintained.
• Example of negative reinforcement - operant conditioning

  • If someone has a morbid fear of clowns (coulrophobia) they will avoid circuses and other situations where they may encounter clowns.
  • The relief felt from avoiding clowns negatively reinforces the phobia and ensures it is maintained rather than confronted.