The Behavioural approach + PHOBIAS

The Two-Process Model

Proposed by Mowrer (1947). Suggests that phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning.

Classical Conditioning + phobias

The Two-process model suggests that phobias develop when an individual associates a neutral stimulus with a traumatic incident. CC is learning by association.

Watson + Rayner’s research (1920)

This aimed to demonstrate how a phobia can be acquired through classical conditioning. Used the participant of Little Albert (a baby aged 9 months in phase 1 of laboratory experiment and 11 months in phase 2).

Procedure - Watson + Rayner’s research (1920)

. At 9 months they tested Albert’s reaction to a range of stimulus. He had a neutral reaction to fluffy things, rats, rabbits and dogs. He had an UCR to the UCS of a steel bar being struck by a hammer.

. At 11 months in the laboratory Little Albert was offered a a white rat and every time he reached out to touch it a steel bar was struck by a hammer (which caused the UCR of fear). This process was repeated 7 times over 2 weeks.

Results - Watson + Rayner’s research (1920)

After 7 rounds of conditioning Little Albert showed fear reactions to rats as well as any fluffy and/or white objects (cotton,rabbits,santa claus mask) (this is called stimulus generalisation). He would cry and try to avoid the stimulus. Watson + Rayner has found that phobias can be successfully acquired by classical conditioning (+ also be generalised)

Watson + Rayner’s research 1920 - Break down

UCS = noise of a steel bar being struck by a hammer

UCR/CR = fear (avoidance + crying)

NS/CS = Rat/White fluffy object/animal

Operant Conditioning + Phobias

Operant conditioning suggests that if a behaviour is reinforced it is more likely to be repeated. Therefore, those who suffer with phobias are repeatedly undergoing negative reinforcement when they complete the behaviour of avoiding their feared stimulus and therefore avoid fear (something unpleasant), and are consequently more likely to repeat the behaviour. This means the sufferer will fail to face their fear, so their phobia will be maintained.