4.1.11 Phobias (Treat)- Systematic Desensitisation Flashcards
How is this theory used to treat phobias?
Replacing the fear through associating the phobia with relaxation.
Which learning theory is systematic desensitisation based on?
Classical Conditioning
Why does using relaxation to replace fear work?
Because they are two opposing emotions which cannot be felt at the same time - reciprocal inhibition.
What is stage 1 of systematic desensitisation?
Functional analysis.
Describe stage 1 of systematic desensitisation.
Triggers of the phobia are established with the therapist through learning specific things about the phobia.
What is stage 2 of systematic desensitisation?
Construction of anxiety hierarchy.
Describe stage 2 of systematic desensitisation.
The hierarchy determines the least frightening situation (putting it at the bottom) and the most (putting it at the top).
What is stage 3 of systematic desensitisation?
Training in relaxation techniques.
Describe stage 3 of systematic desensitisation.
The patient is trained in relaxation methods ready to pair them with the phobia, such as meditation.
What is stage 4 of systematic desensitisation?
Gradual exposure.
Describe stage 4 of systematic desensitisation.
The patient works through the hierarchy through gradual exposure, during which they pair the relaxation methods they learnt with their experience with the stages.
Give an example of a 5 stage anxiety hierarchy, starting from least frightening to most.
1) Spider on the wall
2) Spider crawling towards you
3) Spider on your foot
4) Spider on your arm
5) Spider on your face
What is the average amount of sessions needed?
4-6
Which two ways can exposure be carried out?
1) In-vitro
2) In-vivo
Define an ‘in vitro’ exposure.
The patient imagines exposure to the phobic stimulus.
