Psychology Investigated: The use of classical conditioning to treat phobias.

Learning Approach

Psychology Notes

A Level/AS Level/O Level

Learning Approach

Learning Approach: Psychology Investigated - Conquering Fears Through Classical Conditioning

The learning approach in psychology focuses on how our experiences shape our behavior. One of the most influential theories within this approach is classical conditioning, developed by Ivan Pavlov.

1. How Classical Conditioning Works:

Imagine a dog salivating at the sound of a bell. This isn't just a random reaction. It's a learned response.

Before Conditioning: The dog naturally salivates when it sees food (Unconditioned Stimulus - UCS), which causes an automatic response (Unconditioned Response - UCR).
During Conditioning: The bell (Neutral Stimulus - NS) is repeatedly paired with the food (UCS).
After Conditioning: The bell alone can trigger the dog to salivate (Conditioned Stimulus - CS), creating a learned response (Conditioned Response - CR).

2. Classical Conditioning and Phobias:

Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations. Interestingly, these fears can often be traced back to a traumatic experience or learned association. Think of a child who gets bitten by a dog.

UCS (dog bite): Causes a natural fear response (UCR) like pain and crying.
NS (dog): Initially neutral, but becomes associated with the bite.
CS (dog): Now triggers a fear response (CR) even without a bite.

3. Treatment Using Classical Conditioning:

Classical conditioning can be used to unlearn phobic responses. This is called counterconditioning. Here's how it works:

a. Systematic Desensitization:

The person with the phobia is gradually exposed to the feared stimulus, starting with less intense versions.

Example: A person with a fear of spiders might first look at a picture of a spider, then see a real spider in a jar, then observe a spider from afar, and finally, touch a spider.
Relaxation techniques: The person learns relaxation techniques like deep breathing to overcome anxiety during exposure.

b. Aversion Therapy:

This involves pairing the feared stimulus with something unpleasant to create an aversion.

Example: A person with an alcohol addiction might be given a drug that makes them sick whenever they drink alcohol. This creates a negative association with alcohol.

4. Real-World Examples:

Public Speaking Fear: A person might use systematic desensitization to gradually overcome their fear by starting with small presentations and working up to larger audiences.
Heights Fear: This phobia can be treated by gradually exposing the person to heights, starting with low heights and slowly increasing the height over time.

5. Importance of Classical Conditioning in Therapy:

Classical conditioning is a powerful tool for treating phobias and other anxiety disorders. By understanding how these learned responses develop, therapists can create strategies to help people overcome their fears and live more fulfilling lives.

Bonus Notes

Psychology Essay Questions on Classical Conditioning and Phobias

Question 1:

Classical conditioning involves learning through association. A neutral stimulus (NS) is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) that elicits an unconditioned response (UCR). After repeated pairings, the NS becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits a conditioned response (CR), similar to the UCR.

In treating phobias, systematic desensitization utilizes classical conditioning principles. A feared stimulus (CS) is gradually introduced alongside relaxation techniques, replacing the fear response (CR) with relaxation (CR).

Question 2:

Classical conditioning, specifically systematic desensitization, is effective in treating specific phobias like arachnophobia or acrophobia. Its effectiveness depends on factors like the severity of the phobia, client motivation, therapist expertise, and the type of phobia (simple vs. complex). While effective for many, complex phobias with underlying psychological issues might require combined therapies.

Question 3:

Ethical considerations in classical conditioning for phobias include:

⭐Informed consent: Clients must understand the process, potential risks (e.g., anxiety during sessions), and benefits.
⭐Client safety: Therapists must ensure a safe and supportive environment, adjusting the pace of exposure based on client needs.
⭐Respect for autonomy: Clients have the right to decline or discontinue treatment if discomfort becomes overwhelming.

Question 4:

Classical conditioning in treating phobias relates to other learning theories like operant conditioning, emphasizing reinforcement and punishment. Both theories focus on learning through experience, but classical conditioning emphasizes involuntary, associative learning, while operant conditioning focuses on voluntary behavior and its consequences.

Question 5:

Research Study:
⭐Objective: Investigate the long-term effectiveness (5 years post-treatment) of classical conditioning in treating specific phobias compared to a control group receiving cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
⭐Methods:
Participants: Adults with diagnosed specific phobias.
Groups: Classical conditioning (systematic desensitization) and CBT groups.
Measures: Pre- and post-treatment phobia severity scales, follow-up assessments at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months.
⭐Implications: Findings could provide insights into the long-term efficacy of classical conditioning vs. CBT for specific phobias, informing future treatment approaches.