The Two-Process Model phobias

Question 1

The Two-Process Model

Answer 1

• Key behaviours: panic, avoidance, and endurance.
• Orval Hobart Mowrer (1960) proposed two-process model.
• Phobias are acquired by classical condition and continue due to operant conditioning.
• Classical condition: Pavlov’s dogs
• Operant conditioning: Skinner enforcement study with rats

Question 2

Acquisition by Classical Conditioning

Answer 2

• Classical conditioning: NS triggers fear response (UCS).
• Watson and Rayner (1920) ‘Little Albert’ experiment.

Question 3

Maintenance by Operant Conditioning

Answer 3

• Phobias are long lasting
• Negative reinforcement; avoid unpleasant situation. Behaviour will be repeated.
• Mowrer: avoiding phobic stimulus we escape fear/anxiety. Reduction of fear reinforces avoidance behaviour.

Question 4

Evaluation: Real-world application

Answer 4

• Strength: real-world application via exposure therapies.
• Phobia is the avoidance behaviour, so when avoidance is prevented the phobia is cured.

Question 5

Evaluation: Cognitive Aspects of Phobias

Answer 5

• Limitation: cannot account for cognitive aspects of phobias.
• Two process model explains behaviour but not phobic cognitions.

Question 6

Evaluation: Phobias and Traumatic Experiences

Answer 6

• Strength: link between bad experiences and phobias.
• Ad De Jongh et al. (2006)

Dental Procedures:
73% - trauma with dentistry due to being victims of violent crimes.
Control group – 21% experienced dental anxiety from some trauma

Question 7

Evaluation counterpoint

Answer 7

• Not all phobias appear following a bad experience.
• Common phobias (ex. Snakes) occur where there are very few snakes.
• Association between phobias and frightening experiences not as strong.

Question 8

Evaluation Extra: Learning and Evolution

Answer 8

• More general aspects to phobias better explained by evolutionary theory.
• Seligman (1971): preparedness.