Javier Holsonback: PHOBIAS & OPERANT CONDITIONINGPhobias can be acquired through operant conditioning by reinforcement. Phobias can be learned through operant conditioning by repeatedly reinforcing avoidance of a mildly fearful situation. For example, if a person has a mild fear of flying and his/her spouse agrees to drive instead of fly, the person's fear of flying has been reinforced and may develop into a phobia. Phobias can be maintained by operant conditioning through negative reinforcement. When a person is confronted with the object or situation of his/her phobia, the person tends to get anxious and avoid the object or situation. The anxiety is reduced, but by avoiding the object or situation, the avoidance behavior is negatively reinforced and the phobia is maintained. For example, a person who has a phobia of flying, will maintain that phobia until he/she flies....Show more
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