The Behavioural Approach to Phobias

Behavioural Model of Abnormality

Behavioural Model of Abnormality

States that behaviors, including phobias, are learned through classical and operant conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

Involves associating a neutral stimulus with a natural reflex to create a learned response, such as the development of phobias.

Operant Conditioning

Learning from the consequences of actions, where behaviors leading to positive outcomes are reinforced and those leading to negative outcomes are discouraged.

Two-Process Model

Mowrer's model explaining how phobias are developed through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning.

Strengths of Behavior Explanation of Phobias

Includes effectiveness in treating phobias through changing responses to stimuli and linking phobias to past experiences.

Weaknesses of Behavior Explanation of Phobias

Highlighted by the limited recall of traumatic experiences in some phobias, suggesting other factors like biology may play a role.

Systematic Desensitisation

Behavioral technique involving creating a fear hierarchy and associating relaxation with feared stimuli to treat phobias.

Flooding

Exposing the patient directly to the phobic stimulus to extinguish fear, a technique used in behavioral therapy for phobias.

Advantages of Behavioral Therapy for Phobias

Effective in treating specific phobias, with techniques like systematic desensitization showing quick results.

Disadvantages of Behavioral Therapy for Phobias

Ethical concerns, especially with flooding, and the focus on symptom treatment rather than addressing the root cause of the disorder.