Approaches To Explaining Phobias

Two-Process Model

Phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning.

Little Albert Study

Watson & Rayner’s study supporting the two process model. Involving a white rat and loud noise.

Mendes & Clark

Counter research to Two-Process model that found only 2% of children with a water phobia could recall a negative experience with water.

Evolutionary Theory

Theory that some phobias are hereditary, explaining why we have phobias of things like snakes and spiders.

Reciprocal Inhibition

When the therapist helps the client to associate the phobic stimulus with relaxation rather than fear and counter-conditioning has successfully taken place.

Relaxation Techniques

First step of Systematic Desensitisation

Anxiety Hierarchy

Second step of Systematic Desensitisation

Exposing

Third step of Systematic Desensitisation

Reciprocal Inhibition

Last step of Systematic Desensitisation

Breathing exercises

An example of a relaxation technique

Anxiety Hierarchy

A list of feared situations with the phobic object from the least to the most feared

Flooding

Counter-conditioning a phobia by immediate and full exposure to the maximum level of phobic stimulus.

The client controls systematic desensitisation

Why might SD be more of a pleasurable experience for clients (EVAL)

Old, heart conditions & children

Who might flooding not be appropriate for due to it’s stressful nature (EVAL)

Controlled environment

Why may the effects of SD & Flooding be limited & not translate to real-life situations

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy

Practical application of Systematic Desensitisation

The anxiety subsides

The phobia can be reinforced if flooding fails and the client is released before..

Social phobias

Flooding is also more effective in treating specific phobias than…