Phobias - Behaviourist Theory

OUTLINE

This theory states that phobias are learnt through classical conditioning. People learn their phobias, so they are often linked to bad encounters. However, some behaviours are instinctive, such as vomiting, anxiety or sexual arousal, these are unconditioned responses.

Pavlov's Dogs

UCS - Triggers a natural response

UCR - Is the natural response

NS - A stimulus that would normally cause no reaction

Sometimes, UCRs occur when a NS is present and they are paired together.

In classical conditioning, the NS needs to be repeatedly paired with the UCS to be learnt. However, if it is a traumatic experience, the association can be learnt after only one event.

 If repetition doesn't occur, the phobia is usually 'extinguished', meaning it is not formed.

Phobias are the result of a negative experience with the feared object, context or activity. In this situation, the CR is always fear. Fear itself is a UR, as it is instinctive.

Phobias are formed in three stages

Stage 1 - Classical Conditioning (as described above)

Stage 2 - Stimulus Generalization

• The CR is associated with similar stimuli.
• People do not only fear the original object/context/activity, but now also fear similar things
• For example, they will not fear one specific spider, they will fear all spiders and maybe even similar animals.

Stage 3 - Operant Conditioning

• If the consequences of a situation are rewarding the behaviour is repeated, but if the consequences are punishing, the behaviour will not be repeated.
• If you avoid the stimulus, this provides relief which is a positive consequence, so you repeat this and continue avoiding the stimulus
• If you attempt to face the stimulus, this causes anxiety which is a negative consequence, so you do not repeat the behaviour, and instead avoid the stimulus.

CRITICISMS

1 - By only focusing on behaviour, the mind and the thinking behind this behaviour is ignored.

Example - Two people are attacked. One may think about it rationally and realise it is unlikely to occur again, especially if they take precautions. The other person may think irrationally, and think of numerous attackers and develop a phobia of a common factor such as the dark.

Explanation - We don't just respond passively to surrounding stimuli, but think about what is happening to us too. People may form different associations. 

2 - Behaviourists assume that you need direct experience with the feared stimulus ; however, others argue that phobias can be learnt more indirectly

Example - Reading about a deadly situation such as a plane crash can make you afraid of being in a similar situation

Explanation - We can learn through vicarious reinforcement, such as in the SLT. People can observe and imitate role model's behaviours.

3 - Behaviourists cannot explain the fact that some people have phobias that they have no direct or indirect experiences of

Example - A number of British people are afraid of snakes. but have never come across one

Explanation - Phobias could be innate or social norms.