Psychopathology: Phobias and Two-Process Model

Questions and Answers

Outline the two-process model as an explanation for phobias.

The first stage is classical conditioning, where a neutral stimulus paired with an unconditioned stimulus that produces fear becomes a conditioned stimulus. The second stage is operant conditioning, where avoidance behavior is negatively reinforced by reducing fear.

Explain how classical conditioning can be used to explain the development of phobias.

Classical conditioning explains that an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) like pain produces an unconditioned response (UCR) of fear. A neutral stimulus (NS) like a dog, when paired with the UCS, becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits a conditioned response (CR) of fear.

Give one criticism of the two-process model.

One criticism is that it ignores cognitive factors, as phobias might arise from irrational thinking rather than just conditioning.

Describe and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias.

The behavioural approach, involving the two-process model, suggests phobias are learned through classical and operant conditioning. It includes strengths like recall of specific events leading to phobias and weaknesses like not explaining all cases of phobias. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of the two-process model?

Classical conditioning Signup and view all the answers

The two-process model explains all types of phobias effectively.

False Signup and view all the answers

Avoidance behavior in phobias is an example of positive reinforcement.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the concepts with their descriptions:

Classical Conditioning = Learning through association Operant Conditioning = Learning through reinforcement Social Learning = Learning by observing others Diathesis-Stress Model = Inheriting vulnerability triggered by life events Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Two-Process Model of Phobias

First stage: Classical conditioning. A neutral stimulus (NS) paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) leads to a conditioned stimulus (CS) that evokes fear.
Example: Neutral stimulus of a wasp paired with UCS of being stung (UCR: fear) results in wasp as a CS producing fear response.
Second stage: Operant conditioning. Avoiding the phobic stimulus reduces fear, thus reinforcing avoidance behavior as a negative reinforcer.

Classical Conditioning and Phobias

UCS of pain triggers UCR of fear.
Pairing a neutral stimulus (e.g., a dog) with UCS of pain leads to the dog becoming a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits a conditioned response (CR) of fear.

Criticism of the Two-Process Model

Ignores cognitive factors. Phobias may arise from irrational thoughts rather than just conditioning.
Irrational thinking in a situation can trigger anxiety, potentially leading to a phobia.

Behavioral Approach Evaluation

Mowrer's two-process model explains phobia learning through association.
Example: Fear of a metal bar sound paired with a neutral stimulus like a white rat results in fear of the rat.
Support for classical conditioning: Some individuals can recall specific events that triggered their phobia, providing evidence for this process.
Limitations: Not all phobias can be traced to an explicit incident; individuals may not recall traumatic experiences leading to their phobia.
Öst posited that forgotten traumatic events might explain phobia development even in the absence of explicit memories.

Bandura and Rosenthal (1966) demonstrated that observing a model in pain (when a buzzer sounds) can create a learned fear response in participants, supporting the notion of social learning in phobic responses.

Additional Limitations of the Two-Process Model

Phobias do not always develop after a traumatic incident; for instance, not everyone bitten by a dog concludes with a dog phobia.
Diathesis-stress model: Proposes genetic vulnerability plays a role in developing disorders, triggered by specific life events, suggesting individual predispositions affect phobia development.

Description

Explore the behavioural approach to explaining phobias through the two-process model. This quiz consists of flashcards that detail classical conditioning and how neutral stimuli can become sources of fear. Test your understanding of this key concept in psychopathology.