1. Phobia – Psychological Theories Phobias are acquired through learning from the environment –Classical conditioning –Operant conditioning –Social learning Two process theory of phobia 1.Acquisition of phobia 2.Maintenance of phobic behaviour www.psychlotron.org.uk

2. Initial Acquisition Through classical conditioning (direct): –Traumatic experience e.g. get bitten by a dog –False alarm e.g. have a panic attack in a lift Through social learning (vicarious): –Observe fear in another e.g. parent –Hear about danger from another www.psychlotron.org.uk

3. Maintenance Through operant conditioning: –Approaching phobic object/situation elicits conditioned anxiety response –Retreat from phobic object reduces anxiety –This acts as a (negative) reinforcer, so the more the person avoids the phobic object/situation the more likely they will continue to do so. –Others may unwittingly reinforce avoidance www.psychlotron.org.uk

4. Phobia Hypotheses from learning theory: –Phobias should be traceable to an original learning experience –Should centre on situations/objects that are potentially harmful –Should be possible to condition and decondition phobias artificially www.psychlotron.org.uk