Behaviourists believe that all behaviour, both normal and abnormal, is learned through processes such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning and social learning.’ Discuss the behavioural approach to explaining phobias. (Total 16 marks)
The behavioural approach explains phobias through Mowrer’s two-process model, which suggests that phobias are acquired through classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning. Classical conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus (NS) is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) that triggers fear (unconditioned response, UCR), so the NS becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) producing a conditioned fear response (CR). This was demonstrated in Watson and Rayner’s study of Little Albert, where a loud noise (UCS) was paired with a white rat (NS), leading to Albert developing a phobia. Operant conditioning maintains the phobia through negative reinforcement, as avoiding the feared object reduces anxiety, making avoidance behaviour more likely in the future. Social learning theory (SLT) also plays a role, as phobias can be learned vicariously by observing others showing fear responses and imitating them.
One strength of the behavioural approach is its strong empirical support. (Point) Watson and Rayner’s study demonstrated that phobias could be learned through classical conditioning, as Little Albert developed a fear of a white rat after it was paired with a loud noise. (Because) This supports the idea that phobias can be acquired through association, as suggested by the two-process model. (Why) However, the study has ethical concerns, as it caused distress to a young child without desensitisation, which limits the ethical validity of the research. (Counterargument)
Another strength is the practical applications of the behavioural explanation in treating phobias. (Point) Systematic desensitisation (SD) and flooding are based on the principles of classical conditioning and aim to break the association between the phobic stimulus and fear. (Because) McGrath et al. found that 75% of patients with phobias responded positively to SD, showing that behavioural treatments can effectively reduce phobic symptoms. (Why) However, SD is less effective for complex phobias, such as social phobia, which may involve cognitive components that the behavioural approach does not address. (Counterargument)
A limitation of the behavioural approach is that it is reductionist, as it ignores biological and cognitive factors. (Point) Research suggests some phobias are biologically pre-programmed, as seen in Seligman’s concept of biological preparedness, where humans are more likely to develop fears of survival-related threats, such as snakes or heights. (Because) This suggests that not all phobias result from conditioning but may have an evolutionary basis. (Why) However, the behavioural approach remains useful for explaining specific phobias, such as those linked to personal experiences. (Counterargument)
Another limitation is that social learning theory (SLT) may be a better explanation for some phobias. (Point) SLT suggests that children may develop phobias by observing fearful reactions from parents or peers and imitating them. (Because) For example, a child who sees their parent react fearfully to spiders may also develop a fear of spiders without direct conditioning. (Why) However, SLT does not fully explain why some people develop phobias without ever witnessing a fearful reaction, suggesting that multiple explanations may be needed. (Counterargument)