Mowrer's two-process theory of avoidance learning provides a theoretical rationale for an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. What is this treatment?
A) Response activation therapy
B) Exposure prevention therapy
C) Response provocation therapy
D) Exposure therapy with response prevention

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mowrer's two-process theory of avoidance learning suggests that anxiety disorders like OCD are maintained by both classical conditioning (fear response to a specific stimulus) and operant conditioning (avoidance behaviors that reduce anxiety). Exposure therapy with response prevention is an effective treatment for OCD based on this theory. It involves gradually confronting the feared stimulus (exposure) while preventing the compulsive response (response prevention) until the anxiety decreases naturally. This process alters the operant conditioning that maintains the avoidance behavior and reduces symptoms over time.

Mowrer's Two-Process Theory of Avoidance Learning Provides a Theoretical Rationale