Behavioural approach to explaining phobias

what is the two process model? Mowrer

1. classical conditioning

2. operant conditioning

what is classical conditioning?

• how phobias start

• involves learning to associate something of which we initially have no fear (neutral stimulus) with something that already triggers a fear response (unconditioned stimulus)

what did Watson and Rayner do?

They conditioned "Little Albert" to fear a white rat after repeatedly experiencing a loud noise as the rat was presented.

what is operant conditioning?

• how phobias are maintained

• When an individual runs away from/avoids the phobic stimulus, the fear + anxiety is reduced

• This is negative reinforcement and strengthens the avoidant behaviour

• When away from phobic stimulus, individual feels happy + relaxed

• This is positive reinforcement and strengthens avoidant behaviour

• Continuing the avoidant behaviour maintains the phobia