Behavioural approach to treating phobis Flashcards
What is systematic desensitisation (SD)?
A behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through classical conditioning.
What is the goal of systematic desensitisation?
To help the sufferer learn to relax in the presence of the phobic stimulus.
What is counterconditioning?
Learning a new response to the phobic stimulus by pairing it with relaxation instead of anxiety.
What is reciprocal inhibition?
The phenomenon where one emotion (relaxation) prevents another (fear).
What are the three processes involved in systematic desensitisation?
- Anxiety hierarchy
- Relaxation
- Exposure
What is the anxiety hierarchy?
A list of situations related to the phobic stimulus arranged from least to most frightening.
How might a person with arachnophobia create their anxiety hierarchy?
By identifying situations like seeing a picture of a small spider as low anxiety and holding a tarantula as high anxiety.
What techniques might be used to teach relaxation in SD?
- Breathing exercises
- Mental imagery techniques
- Meditation
- Drugs (e.g., Valium)
What occurs during the exposure phase of SD?
The patient is exposed to the phobic stimulus while in a relaxed state, starting from the bottom of the anxiety hierarchy.
What indicates successful treatment in systematic desensitisation?
When the patient can stay relaxed in high anxiety hierarchy situations.
Fill in the blank: The process of __________ involves being exposed to the phobic stimulus while relaxed.
Exposure
True or False: Systematic desensitisation relies on the principle of operant conditioning.
False
What is flooding in the context of treating phobias?
Flooding involves immediate exposure to a phobic stimulus without gradual build-up.
How does flooding differ from systematic desensitization?
Flooding does not involve a gradual build-up in an anxiety hierarchy.
What might happen during a flooding session for someone with arachnophobia?
A larger spider may crawl over them for an extended period.
How long do flooding sessions typically last?
One to three hours.
How does flooding aim to stop phobic responses?
By eliminating avoidance behavior, allowing the patient to learn the phobic stimulus is harmless.
What is the process called when a learned response is extinguished in classical conditioning?
Extinction.
In classical conditioning, what are the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli in the example of a dog and being bitten?
Conditioned stimulus: dog; Unconditioned stimulus: being bitten.
What may happen to a patient during flooding due to their fear response?
They may achieve relaxation simply because they become exhausted.
Is flooding considered unethical?
No, it is not unethical per se.
What is essential for patients before undergoing flooding?
Fully informed consent and preparation.
What choice is typically given to patients regarding treatment?
The choice between systematic desensitization or flooding.
