Could operant or observational learning also create a phobia?

Answer 1

Yes, both operant and observational learning can contribute to the development of phobias. Operant conditioning can reinforce avoidance behaviors, making an individual more likely to avoid a feared object or situation, thus perpetuating the phobia. Observational learning can occur when a person witnesses someone else experiencing fear or anxiety in response to a specific stimulus, leading them to adopt similar fears. These mechanisms highlight how phobias can be learned rather than solely innate.