Behavioural Model of Abnormality

Behaviourists argue that abnormal behaviours are learnt through classical and operant conditioning.

• Behaviourists reckon classical conditioning can be used to explain the developmental of many abnormal behaviours, including phobias and taste aversions.
• Operant conditioning is learning from the consequences of actions. Actions which have a good outcome through positive reinforcement (reward) or negative reinforcement (removal of something bad) will be repeated. Actions with a bad outcome will not be repeated.

Aversion Therapy:

• removes an undesired behaviour by associating it with unpleasant feelings. E.g. alcoholics given alcohol at the same time as a drug that naturally produces nausea. Nausea becomes a conditioned response to alcohol and they should now want…