How Constructivism is Related to Understanding Phobias

Are phobias a contemporary social construction?

Constructivism is a type of learning theory that explains human learning as an active attempt to build meaning in the world around us. Constructivists believe that learning is more active and self-directed than either behavioral technique or cognitive theory would postulate.

Constructivism divides learning into two types: accommodation and assimilation. The focus is on the individual’s desire and ability to learn , and the teacher or therapist is simply there to help guide self-directed learning.

There are different types of constructivism, including:

  • cognitive
  • social
  • cultural
  • radical

Here we will discuss cognitive and social constructivism as it relates to an explanation for phobia . The explanation of social constructivism comes second because it is a variation of cognitive constructivism.

Cognitive Constructivism

Psychologist Jean Piaget gets credit for creating cognitive constructivist theory . It consists of two important parts called: ages and stages. The age component predicts children’s ability to understand or not understand certain things. The stages component states that people cannot immediately understand and use information, but they must build their knowledge through experience.

This theory contradicts the educational model that most American public schools use to impart knowledge. Where teachers expect students to memorize given information after practicing it briefly, rather than discovering and then experiencing their own interest in something.

In a Piagetian classroom environment, the teacher creates a rich environment with which students spontaneously explore.

Social Constructivism

Social constructivism is a variety of cognitive constructivism proposed by psychologist Lev Vygotsky. He believed in the cognitive model, but argued that it is not just the learning process that is important, it is “the process by which learners are integrated into a knowledge community.”

He saw that learning requires a social interaction between people. Thus social constructivism was born.

Both cognitive and social constructivism view knowledge as actively constructed.

Social constructivism and phobia treatment

A therapist who follows the social constructivist theory to treat a phobia patient will be positive that one person can only understand the other’s fear by examining the social context of the patient’s experience.

The same theory is reflected in social constructivist treatment plans for phobia . A therapist who follows this theory will believe that the effectiveness of the treatment largely depends on the environment in which the patient used the prescribed intervention.

Therefore, your therapist can teach you a variety of strategies. For example, to overcome your fear while you are at home and another for when you are in public.

The social construction of anxiety disorders

Experienced bouts of anxiety are just part of being human. However, the reported anxiety levels have risen alarmingly since the end of World War II. Now, in the 21st century, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health problems worldwide.

Phobias are an anxiety disorder and some clinicians believe the social construction of our modern society, with its rapid pace and high demands, has contributed to this buildup in anxiety disorders.

Even more evidence suggests that an article published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry is the result of the prevailing belief in our society. “Anxiety-related symptoms are a socially and medically legal response to life in modern times.”

 

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

Leave a Comment