9. The Behavioural Approach To Explaining Phobias AO3

Question 1

Name two limitations of the two process model

Answer 1

• Not all bad experiences lead to phobias

- There are alternative explanations for avoidance behaviour

Question 2

Explain how not all bad experiences lead to phobias

Answer 2

Sometimes phobias do appear following a bad experience - easy to see how they could be the results of conditioning - but some people have bad experiences and don’t develop a phobia

Question 3

What does the theory of not all experienced leading to phobias suggest

Answer 3

Conditioning alone cannot explain phobias - they may only develop where a vulnerability exists

Question 4

Explain an alternative explanation for avoidance behaviour

Answer 4

In more complex behaviour e.g. Agoraphobia - evidence that at least some avoidance behaviour is motivated more by positive feelings or safety - explains why some suffers are able to leave their house with trusted friend with relatively little anxiety - but can’t do it alone

Question 5

Why is the alternative explanation of avoidance behaviour an issue for the two process model

Answer 5

Suggests avoidance is motivated by anxiety reduction

Question 6

Name a strength of the two process model and briefly explain it

Answer 6

Has good explanatory power - two process model went beyond Watson and Rayner’s simple classical conditioning explanation of phobias

Question 7

Explain the explanatory power of the two process model

Answer 7

Has Important implications for therapy - if patient is prevented from practicing avoidance behaviour - phobic behaviour declines

Question 8

What is therefore the main strength about the explanatory power of the two process model

Answer 8

Useful application to therapy