Generally,phobias are initially learned through classical conditioning but are maintained over time through:
A) negative reinforcement (escape conditioning).
B) punishment.
C) positive reinforcement.
D) negative reinforcement (avoidance conditioning).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phobias are maintained over time through negative reinforcement, specifically avoidance conditioning. This means that the fear response is reinforced by the removal or avoidance of the feared object or situation, leading the phobia to persist or worsen over time. This is why exposure therapy, which involves gradual exposure to the feared object or situation, is often used as a treatment for phobias since it counteracts the negative reinforcement of avoidance conditioning.

Generally,phobias Are Initially Learned Through Classical Conditioning but Are Maintained