4.1.10-4.1.11 Phobias

Question 1

SD A01 (6)

Answer 1

-based on principles of classical conditioning
-construct hierarchy of anxiety and agree on aims
-learn relaxation techniques
-gradual exposure-invivo/invitro
-increasing difficulty, therapy ends when aims are met
-reciprocal inhibition-can’t feel 2 opposite emotions at once

Question 2

flooding AO1

Answer 2

-methos of overcoming phobias, based on classical conditioning
-patients rapidly exposed to CS that they have agreed to experience
-happens under controlled conditions with psychologically proven relaxation techniques
-1 of 2 things will occur: 1-patients anxiety is maintained to such a high level that exhaustion occurs, 2-patient is prevented from making normal avoidance response so extinction occurs
-can be invivo or invitro

Question 3

Evaluate SD (Strengths)

Answer 3

-Evidence= Capafons et al, aerophobia using SD (12-15 sessions, breathing techniques) successfully treated 90% of ppts, therefore is effective treatment
-Comparison-flooding has higher success than SD, you cannot leave the procedure due to rapid exposure however in SD you must be motivated as you can drop out over range of sessions, therefore SD has lower rates of completion

Question 4

SD Evaluation (weaknesses)

Answer 4

-Comparison=flooding is more unethical, SD patient makes hierarchy and can only progress once entirely relaxed, therefore prevents unnecessary stress and makes SD better than flooding
-limitation=spontaneous recovery could occur if too much time between each stage, doesn’t experience therapy enough then phobia may reappear, therefore therapy must happen quickly or could be ineffective

Question 5

strengths of flooding

Answer 5

-fast, efficient method so cost effective
-highly effective for simple phobias evidence: Joseph Wolpe drove girl around in car and phobia was extinguished

Question 6

weaknesses of flooding

Answer 6

-how good? low inter rater reliability and low generalisability, also only a simple fear
-conparisons: CBT may be more useful to change thinking eg social phobias, or SD

Question 7

application of phobia treatments

Answer 7

works best on people with good imagination (invivo)
can make problem worse