Extrapolation of two-factor learning theory of infrahuman avoidance behavior to psychopathology

This paper involves a theoretical attempt to extend O. H. Mowrer's two-factor theory of infrahuman avoidance behavior to the area of human psychopathology, Central to any such theoretical extrapolation is the need to explain why human fears and avoidance behavior manifest such strong resistance to extinction while the abundance of infrahuman findings suggests that the extinction of such behaviors is rapid. The position is advanced that this noted paradox can be resolved both theoretically and empirically by modifying and extending the Solomon and Wynne conservation of anxiety hypothesis to include complex, serial ordered cues. The model presented also provides the rationale for an extinction approach to psychotherapy, referred to as implosive therapy which is briefly described. Supporting data for the model as well as alternative explanations are provided and discussed.