Final answer:
The ESFT Model is designed to understand and treat fear and phobias through evolutionary, social, and therapeutic lenses. It encompasses the evolutionary predisposition to fear, the influence of social learning, and the importance of clear agreements in therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the Explanatory Social, Fear and Therapeutic Contracting (ESFT) Model is to understand and address the complexities of fear and phobias within a social and therapeutic context. Research by Öhman and Mineka highlights the evolutionarily based aspects of fear, showing that some fears may be predisposed and that there is a biological preparedness to learn certain fears more than others. This forms part of the theoretical basis behind the ESFT model, which attempts to incorporate these insights into therapeutic practice.
According to Olsson and Phelps, social learning plays a significant role in the acquisition of fears, suggesting that individuals can learn to fear certain stimuli through observing the reactions of others. This aligns with the 'Social' component of the ESFT Model, emphasizing the importance of the social environment in the formation and treatment of phobias.
In therapeutic settings, as discussed by Oltmanns and Castonguay, understanding the client's history, social environment, and learned behaviors can lead to more effective interventions. Therapeutic contracting, an element of the ESFT Model, involves establishing clear agreements between therapist and client regarding the goals and procedures of therapy, which is crucial for managing expectations and promoting client engagement in the treatment process.