Behavioural Approach to Phobias

2 process model

Flooding

Little Albert was conditioned to fear white and fluffy things as they were associated with a loud sound which produced the unconditioned response of fear

Acquired by classical conditioning

Association made between a neutral stimulus and the unconditioned response of fear

For example an association between dogs and fear because we were once bitten by one which caused the unconditioned response of fear

Maintained by operant conditioning

Negative reinforcement by avoiding stimulus and therefore avoiding fear

Case study? Can we generalise to adults?

Biological preparedness theory suggests that we have an innate fear of stimulus such as heights and fire because they can compromise our survival

Systematic Desensitisation

Create an anxiety hierarchy, from least (picture) to most (actual stimulus) frightening

Relaxation techniques such as breathing

Must be relaxed at each stage of hierarchy before they can move on

Reciprocal inhibition means you cannot fell two opposing emotions so here you cannot feel anxious if you feel relaxed

Patient associates relaxation with phobic stimulus

Gilroy found it was better than just relaxation techniques at 3 and 33 months

Low attrition rates, appropriate for children, elderly and people with learning difficulties

Expensive and time consuming because many sessions

Sudden exposure to phobic stimulus

When the stimulus doesn’t harm them the individual can’t maintain anxiety

Get rid of association between stimulus and fear

Cost effective and non time consuming as it only takes a few sessions

High attrition rates, not appropriate for children, the elderly and people with learning difficulties