Ch 9: Avoidance and Human Psychology vid 3

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to avoidance and escape behaviors within the context of psychological conditions, particularly focusing on phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Avoidance Behavior

A behavioral response that prevents exposure to an anticipated aversive event.

Escape Behavior

A behavior that is performed to terminate an ongoing aversive stimulus.

Phobia

An intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that leads to avoidance behavior.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus, resulting in a conditioned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior conditioning.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after being paired with an unconditioned stimulus, begins to trigger a conditioned response.

Translational Value

The relevance of animal model findings to human conditions or behaviors.

Two Process Theory of Avoidance

A theory suggesting that avoidance behaviors are learned through both classical and operant conditioning.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A psychological condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety.

Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP)

A treatment method for OCD that involves exposing patients to anxiety-provoking stimuli while preventing the usual avoidance response.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process through which behavior is shaped by reinforcement or punishment.

Negative Reinforcement

The removal of an aversive stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Systematic Desensitization

A behavioral therapy technique that involves gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli paired with relaxation techniques.

Flooding

A treatment method involving prolonged exposure to a feared stimulus until the anxiety diminishes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of therapy that focuses on changing unhelpful cognitive distortions and behaviors.