According to the two-factor theory, how do phobias occur?
A. Pavlovian conditioning establishes the phobia, while operant conditioning maintains phobic behavior. B. Preparedness establishes the phobia, while Pavlovian conditioning maintains phobic behavior. C. Vicarious conditioning establishes the behavior, while operant conditioning maintains phobic behavior. D. Operant conditioning establishes the phobia, while Pavlovian conditioning maintains phobic behavior.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Pavlovian conditioning establishes the phobia, while operant conditioning maintains phobic behavior.
Explanation:
The two-factor theory, also known as Mowrer’s two-process theory, suggests that phobias develop and persist through a combination of classical (Pavlovian) and operant conditioning. This theory helps explain why some phobias are so difficult to overcome once they are formed. Here’s how each process contributes:
- Pavlovian Conditioning (Classical Conditioning) Establishes the Phobia:
Phobias often originate when a neutral stimulus (e.g., a spider) becomes associated with a frightening or painful experience. Through Pavlovian conditioning, this neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with a fearful or unpleasant response, leading the individual to develop a conditioned response of fear toward the stimulus. For instance, if a person has a frightening encounter with a spider, they might begin to feel fear at the sight of any spider. Over time, the formerly neutral spider stimulus alone can evoke a strong fear response without any actual threat or negative consequence. - Operant Conditioning Maintains Phobic Behavior:
Once the fear is established, operant conditioning—specifically, negative reinforcement—plays a role in maintaining the phobia. When the person avoids the feared object or situation, they experience relief from their anxiety, which reinforces the avoidance behavior. For instance, someone with a spider phobia might avoid areas where spiders are likely to be found, like basements or attics. This avoidance reduces their immediate anxiety, making them more likely to continue avoiding these situations. Consequently, the phobia is maintained over time because the individual never confronts the fear and does not have opportunities to learn that the feared stimulus is not dangerous.
This combination of classical conditioning to create the fear response and operant conditioning to maintain avoidance behaviors makes phobias persistent and difficult to treat without targeted therapeutic interventions, such as exposure therapy, which breaks the cycle of avoidance.