Behavioural - phobias

The two process model

Phobias are learned through a combination of classical conditioning and operant conditioning. The main belief of the behaviourist approach is that if behaviour can be learnt it can be unlearnt.

Classical conditioning

Learning through associating something in which we initially have so fear of (NS) with an unconditioned stimulus that already triggers an unconditioned response, fear

Operant conditioning

Learning from consequences. This can reinforce the phobia through negative reinforcement like if you avoid what you are afraid of then the anxiety lessens as a response which reinforces the fear.

Unconditioned stimulus and an example

UCS for example loud noise

Unconditioned response and an example

UCR, not learnt for example the not learnt fear of loud noise

Conditioned stimulus and example 

CS which is a learnt fear of something eg the white rat in the Case of Little Albert

Conditioned response and example

CR eg the fear and behaviour of Little Albert screaming and crying due to the conditioned stimulus

Tomarken et al (1989)

Study was carried out where they showed slides of snakes and neutral objects to individuals who had a snake phobia. They then asked them how many snakes and tree branches there were in the picture.

Seligman (1971)

Believes we are predisposed to acquire some phobias rather than others. For example, being frightened of snakes and spiders might be innate due to having an evolutionary advantage, survival.

Opposes the behaviourist view and argues for a biological influence to phobias, this theory can explain fear but not the irrational fear of some phobias.

Watson and Rayner (1920)

The Little Albert study

McGrath et al (1990)

Reported that 75% of patients with phobias respond to the behaviourist treatment of systematic desensitisation. Its most effective when used in vivo (the patient being exposed to the real stimulus) rather than being asked to visualise or imagine their fear (in vitro).