Behavioural approach to explaining phobias

What is the behavioural approach to explaining phobias?

The behavioural approach explains phobias as learned behaviours, acquired through experience and maintained through conditioning processes.

What is the two-process model?

The two-process model, proposed by Mowrer (1960), explains phobias as:

• Acquired via classical conditioning

• Maintained via operant conditioning

What is classical conditioning in phobias?

Classical conditioning is learning through association, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a fear response.

How are phobias acquired through classical conditioning?

• A neutral stimulus (NS) initially produces no fear

• It is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) that produces fear (UCR)

• The NS becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS)

• It produces a conditioned response (CR) (fear) even without the UCS

What is generalisation in phobias?

Generalisation occurs when the fear response is extended to similar stimuli, e.g. fear of spiders extending to other insects.

What is operant conditioning in phobias?

Operant conditioning is learning through consequences, where behaviour is shaped by reinforcement.

How are phobias maintained?

• Individuals avoid the phobic stimulus

• This reduces anxiety

• Reduction in anxiety acts as negative reinforcement

• Avoidance behaviour is strengthened, maintaining the phobia

How does social learning theory explain phobias?

Phobias can be learned vicariously by observing others showing fear, especially if the behaviour is rewarded (e.g. attention).

Example of acquisition of a phobia

• Bees = NS

• Sting (pain) = UCS → fear (UCR)

• Bees become CS → fear (CR)

• Fear generalises to other insects

Example of maintenance of a phobia

Avoiding bees (e.g. avoid going outside) reduces anxiety → negative reinforcement → phobia is maintained.

What research supports the two-process model?

Watson and Rayner (1920):

• Conditioned fear of a white rat using loud noise

• Fear generalised to similar objects

✔ Supports acquisition + generalisation

What is a limitation of the Little Albert study?

Highly unethical — caused emotional harm and lacked proper consent/debrief.

What evidence challenges the two-process model?

Menzies & Clarke (1993):

• Only 2% of children with water phobia recalled a traumatic experience
  ❌ Suggests not all phobias are learned via classical conditioning

What is the evolutionary explanation of phobias?

Phobias may be biological preparedness (likelihood of developing phobia due to genetics):

• Fear of snakes/dogs = adaptive in evolution

• Modern dangers (cars, knives) rarely cause phobias

❌ Contradicts behaviourist (nurture) explanation

What is a strength of the behavioural explanation?

It has real-life application:

• Led to effective treatments like systematic desensitisation and flooding
  ✔ Supports validity of the explanation