Phobias and Addictions

Phobias and Addictions Paper

Abstract

This paper will explore phobias and how they can be developed by way of classical conditioning. Along with phobias, an exploration of addictions and how they are developed by way of operant conditioning will also be explained in hopes of ending with the ability to distinguish between types of conditioning and how each one achieves extinction.

Phobias and Addictions Paper

The intended purpose of this paper is to answer some of the questions about addictions and phobias in the world of psychology. A phobia is defined as being an irrational, intense fear of an object or situation that poses little or no actual danger (Fritscher, 2011). A phobia is when the degree of a normal fear crosses over and becomes beyond the scope of what is considered to be “normal” fear. According to www.apa.org “addiction is a condition in which the body must have a drug to avoid physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.” The process of learning to manage and recognize emotions, make better decisions, be caring for others, behaving responsibly and ethically, positive developments with relationships, and the avoidance of negative behaviors is the definition of emotional learning according to www.smho.psych.ucla.edu. Addictions and phobias can cause a person to have difficulties in regards to emotional learning. Another form of fear is claustrophobia.

Claustrophobia is having an abnormal fear of being in narrow or enclosed spaces (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 2000).  Simple and precise phobias are thought to come about due to genetics and or a possible disturbance from childhood. Classical conditioning is the learning type that both these phobias can be learned through.

Classical Conditioning

Classical conditioning is the process of behavior modification by which a subject comes to respond in a desired manner to a previously neutral stimulus that has been repeatedly presented along with an...