Preparedness theory
How has preparedness theory attempted to integrate a Pavlovian model of the acquisition of specific phobias with this biological specificity? What is the status of Preparedness theory today?When confronted with a phobic object or situation an individual appears to have little control and no alternative but to avoid the feared object or situation (Ohman & Soares, 1993). Consequently, individuals with a phobia can be vulnerable to anxiety induced automatic reactions to an object or situation which in turn can place major restrictions on everyday life (Ohman & Soares, 1993). Phobias are characterised as a conditioned reaction that is specific, persistent, intense and irrational with a compelling need to avoid the phobic object or situation (Reber, 1995). The majority of phobias concentrate on a small number of fear inducing stimuli such as snakes, spiders, heights, thunder and confined spaces. These biological stimuli are more likely to develop into a phobia than non-biological stimuli such as firearms, broken glass and motor cars, even though humans are more likely to have an aversive experience with non-biological stimuli. Preparedness theory was introduced by Seligman (1971) whereby the concept of preparedness attempts to ex
When the rats became ill a few hours later, they acquired an aversion to sweet tasting water but not to light or noise. Further, a contemporary status of preparedness theory is discussed by means of an evaluation of available evidence. For example the normal fear to a dangerous stimulus, such as a poisonous snake, has been over generalised to non-poisonous snakes as well. Fears such as fears of specific animals and fear of heights are fairly common phobias and Seligman (1971) maintains that it is rare that we have phobias of pyjamas, grass or electric-outlets even though these things are more likely to be associated with trauma. According to Davey (1995) expectancy bias allows rapid learning concerning any stimulus that the individual has reason to believe is dangerous. In the past, those who responded to danger lived longer and had more descendants. According to Seligman (1970, cited in McNally, 1987) human beings and certain animals have a biological preparedness for certain occurrences and forms of conditioning. Differences in the strength and persistence of conditioned fear responses appear to account for cognitive biases. Behavior Therapy, 2, 307-320Schwartz, B. Further, the notion of preparedness applies to associations not to stimuli or responses and it is assumed that people need a learning episode for a fear to develop. Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov established the study of classical conditioning (Bourne & Russo, 1998). Ohman & Soares (1993) claim that in Seligman's model (1971) when applied to phobias represent CR's and suggest that organisms have been formed by evolution to readily associate anxiety and aversion with potentially deadly situations. Further, fears established in the laboratory have limited evolutionary significance.
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