2a. Behavioural approach to explaining phobias

What is classical conditioning?

Classical conditioning= learning by assocation

A natural pairing of an unconditioned stimulus and response changes when the UCs is paired with a neutral stimullus (with no natural response) to a point where it becomes a new conditioned stimulus and response ie the old neutral stimulus can now produce the same reaction

What is operant conditioning?

Operant conditioning= learning by consequences

pic of table

What does the behavioural approach emphasise?

Behavioural approach emphasises the role of learning in acquiring behaviour

Who proposed the two-process model based on the behavioural approach to phobias and what was this two-process model?

Mowrer proposed the two- process model based on the behavioural approach to phobias.

The two-process model→

• phobias acquired through classical conditioning

• phobias maintained through operant conditioning

What was evidence of phobias acquired through classical conditioning?

Evidence of phobias acquired through classical conditioning=

Watson and Rayner (1920) created a phobia in a nine-month-old baby called “Little Albert”. He showed no unusual anxiety at the start of the experiment; when shown a white rat he actually tried to play with it.

Whenever the rat was presented, they made a loud frightening noise by banging an iron bar with a hammer close to his ear.

After he had ‘acquired’ his phobia they tested Albert by showing him other fairy objects such as a non-white rabbit a fur coat and even Watson wearing a Santa beard. Little Albert displayed distress and a similar fear response to all of these (generalisation).

What was evidence of phobias maintained through operant conditioning?

Evidence of phobias maintained through operant conditioning=

Responses acquired by classical conditioning usually decline over time (AKA extinction).

However, phobias are often long-lasting; Mowrer explained this via operant conditioning. This takes place when our behaviour is reinforced (or encouraged) either positively (by adding a pleasant experience) or negatively (by removing an unpleasant experience). Both may increase the frequency of the behaviour.

In the case of negative reinforcement, an individual may actively avoid a phobic stimulus, resulting in the desirable consequence of escaping the fear and anxiety they would have felt, encouraging further avoidance.

In the case of positive reinforcement, an individual may actively avoid a phobic stimulus, resulting in the desirable consequences of calmness and relaxation, encouraging further avoidance. This is partly the basis of treatment as well (alongside classical conditioning strategies).