Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Learning Theories of Classical Conditioning

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCHOLOGY
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:

1PSYCHOLOGY
Question 1
In terms of psychological disorders, the person has acquired Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD) and in terms of learning, classical conditioning has occurred which has made
him avoid the intersection (Handy).
Question 2
Hence, considering the learning theories of classical conditioning, the unconditioned
stimulus here is the intersection and the unconditioned response is driving towards the specific
intersection. The traumatic event and neutral stimulus of the accident in combination with the
unconditioned stimulus of the intersection resulted in an accident, a sense of fear and a resultant
unconditioned response of avoiding or driving away from the intersection (Mauchnik). Repeated
flashbacks characteristic of PTSD has now resulted in a conditioning stimulus of accident near
the intersection resulting in fears, trauma and the learning or conditioning of a response of
avoiding the intersection. The person takes the alternate route since he has now become
conditioned to avoid the conditioned stimulus of an accident occurring at the intersection
resulting in his conditioned response of avoiding the intersection which is performed by driving
away from the intersection (Duits).
Question 3
In order to overcome his fear of the original intersection, the person must reach the stage
of ‘extinction’ in classical conditioning which is characterized by a reduction in conditioned
responses if the pairing between the unconditioned stimulus (the intersection) and conditioned