Mowrer’s 2 Factor Theory

Mowrer’s two-factor theory

Classical conditioning leads to fear development; to which a previously neutral stimulus becomes paired w/ fear. Operant conditioning: avoidance is negatively reinforced; maintaining fear.

Factor 1: Classical conditioning

A previously neutral stimulus becomes paired w/ fear and develops into a feared stimulus.

Factor 2: Operant conditioning

Avoidance is negatively reinforced; maintaining fear.

How does Mowrer’s two-factor theory explain phobias?

Classical conditioning develops the fear and operant conditioning maintains the fear through negatively reinforced avoidance.

Negative reinforcement

Avoidance removes anxiety or fear; making the avoidance behavior more likely to happen again.

How does negative reinforcement maintain anxiety?

Avoidance provides relief from anxiety; so the person continues avoiding the feared stimulus and never learns that it is actually safe.

How does exposure therapy address negative reinforcement?

Exposure prevents avoidance and allows the person to experience that the feared stimulus is not actually dangerous.