Phobias and Addictions Related to Classical and Operant Conditioning

Phobias and Addictions as Related to Classical and Operant Conditioning

Phobias as well as addictions represent two emotional challenges which associative learning theorists can explain through classical as well as operant conditioning. Classical and operant conditioning are among the various methods people learn either as a learned response to paired stimulus or as modeled behaviors attached to behaviors and consequences that can develop into phobias and addictions. Classical conditioning has been linked to the development as well as treatment of phobias. Classical conditioning has been found effective in treating phobias and has not been found effective in treating additions. Operant conditioning involves the neurotransmitters in the pain and pleasure region of the brain. Phobias resulting from classical conditioning as well as addictions developed through operant conditioning can be removed through extinction.

Classical Conditioning and Phobias

Fear can be used as a human survival tool whereas, phobias are irrational response to certain objects and scenarios that become debilitating and affect the quality of one's life. Phobias are among the most common mental disorders present in the world today The development of phobias has been linked to classical conditioning where cognitive processes of thought when viewing an experience another's response to injury or fear (Darity, 2008). An example of a phobia that has resulted through classical conditioning would be society's fear of guns due to the outbreak of shootings that have occurred in recent events in the United States. Generally, guns are revered as a dangerous stimulus by society but, do not result in the development of phobias. Toy guns due to recent shooting events could elicit dangerous fear reactions. Phobias associated to spiders, hypodermic needles, and snakes are more prevalent and can develop in children though experiencing traumatic events associated with the above mentioned stimulus though observing a parents reaction which triggers obsessive fears. It is important to note that both positive as well as negative behaviors can classically conditioned (Kowalski & Westen, 2009).

Operant Conditioning and Addictions

Addiction is a major issue affecting today's society placing financial burdens as well as presenting safety concerns to individuals as well as in communities. Many factors contribute to the development of additions such as; availability, genetics, personality types, traumatic life events as well as social environment. Stress is an important contributing factor that leaves a person vulnerable to the effect stress has on many of the systems found in the brain which include dopamine production and symptomatic nervous system (Schwabe, Dickinson & Wolf, 2011). Substances that can develop into addiction can be effective in relieving