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Behavioural Approach to Phobias (Flooding (Sudden exposure to phobic…
Behavioural Approach to Phobias
2 process model
Flooding
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
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
Case study? Can we generalise to adults?
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
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