The behavioural approach to explaining phobias

• What is the two-process model?

  
  

  A behaviourist model for explaining phobias is the two-process model. Behaviourists see all behaviour (including phobias) as learnt via experience. In the two-process model Mower (1960) suggests that phobias are first acquired (learned) via association (classical conditioning), and then maintained via reinforcement (operant conditioning)
• What is classical conditioning?

  Classical conditioning is learning to associate something of which we have no initial fear with something that produces a fear response.
• Little Albert study:

  • Initial Stage:
  • White Rat (NS) ---> No Fear
  • Pairing with Unconditioned Stimulus:
  • White Rat (NS) + Loud Noise (UCS) ---> Crying (UCR)
  • After Learning:
  • White Rat (CS, formerly NS) ---> Crying (CR)
  • Generalisation:
  • White Rat (CS) ---> Crying (CR)
  • Other White Furry Things ---> Crying (CR)
• What is maintenance by operant conditioning?

  
  

  Operant conditioning takes place when behaviour is reinforced or punished. The phobic person avoids situations that may bring the individual with the phobia into contact with the phobic object. The consequence of this is that anxiety is reduced. This is a pleasant sensation which acts as a negative reinforcement (removal of negative stimulus).
• AO3: Real-world application

  One strength of the two-process model is its real application in exposure therapies.

  The distinctive element of the model is the idea that phobias are maintained by avoidance of the phobic stimulus. Once the avoidance behaviour is prevented it ceases to be reinforced by the experience of anxiety reduction and avoidance therefore declines.

  This shows the value of the model as it identifies a way to treat phobias.
• AO3: Cognitive aspects of phobias

  One limitation of the two-process model is that it doesn't account for the cognitive aspects of phobias.

  In the case of phobias, the key behaviour is avoidance of the phobic stimulus. However, we know that phobias are not just simply avoidance responses. For example, people hold irrational beliefs about the phobic stimulus. However, the two-process model doesn't give an adequate explanation for phobic cognitions.

  This means that the two-process model doesn't explain all symptoms of the phobia.
• AO3: Phobias and traumatic experiences


  Another strength of the two-process model is evidence of a link between bad experiences and phobias.

  A study found that 73% of people with a fear of dental treatment had experienced a traumatic experience, mostly involving dentistry. This was compared to a control group of people with low dental anxiety where only 21% had experienced a traumatic event.

  This shows that the association between a stimulus and a UCR does lead to the development of a phobia.
• AO3: Counterpoint

  However, not all phobias appear following a bad experience. Some common phobias such as snake phobias occur in populations where very few people have any experiences with snakes. Also, not all frightening experiences lead to phobias.

  This means that associating phobias and frightening experiences is not reliable in explaining the development of all phobias.