Behaviourist Explanation of Phobias
The Two Process Model - Mowrer (1960)
Mowrer proposed the model based on the behavioural approach to
learning.
Phobias are learnt through classical conditioning and then are
maintained through operant conditioning.
Responses to classical conditioning tend to decline over time but phobias
tend to lie long lasting.
This can be explained through operant conditioning;
– Negative reinforcement, whereby a person avoids phobic stimulus,
resulting in a desirable consequence (reduction of fear and anxiety)
and thus leads to the repetition of this behaviour.
Acquisition by Classical Conditioning
CC involves learning to associate something of which we have no fear of
(NS) to something that already triggers a fear response (UCS).
Maintenance by Operant Conditioning
Responses acquired by classical conditioning tend to die out over time,
but we know that phobias can last a life time untreated.
Mowrer suggested this is because phobias are maintained by operant
conditioning.
Operant conditioning takes place when behaviour is reinforced wither
through reward or punishment.
In the case of negative reinforcement and phobias, the individual avoids
a situation that is unpleasant. This behaviour results in a desirable
The Two Process Model - Mowrer (1960)
Mowrer proposed the model based on the behavioural approach to
learning.
Phobias are learnt through classical conditioning and then are
maintained through operant conditioning.
Responses to classical conditioning tend to decline over time but phobias
tend to lie long lasting.
This can be explained through operant conditioning;
– Negative reinforcement, whereby a person avoids phobic stimulus,
resulting in a desirable consequence (reduction of fear and anxiety)
and thus leads to the repetition of this behaviour.
Acquisition by Classical Conditioning
CC involves learning to associate something of which we have no fear of
(NS) to something that already triggers a fear response (UCS).
Maintenance by Operant Conditioning
Responses acquired by classical conditioning tend to die out over time,
but we know that phobias can last a life time untreated.
Mowrer suggested this is because phobias are maintained by operant
conditioning.
Operant conditioning takes place when behaviour is reinforced wither
through reward or punishment.
In the case of negative reinforcement and phobias, the individual avoids
a situation that is unpleasant. This behaviour results in a desirable
