Behavioural Approach - Treating Phobias

Question 1

Counter-conditioning

Answer 1

New response to phobic stimulus learned by pairing with relaxation

Question 2

Reciprocal inhibition

Answer 2

Fear and anxiety cannot co-exist

Question 3

Systematic desensitisation

Answer 3

Patients learn to respond to phobic stimuli with relaxation instead of anxiety. An anxiety hierarchy is created, client is taught relaxation techniques and undergoes gradual exposure

Question 4

Flooding

Answer 4

Immediate exposure to phobic stimulus, preventing avoidance. Learned response is extinguished when a CS is encountered without the CR of fear. Patient may also become exhausted

Question 5

Strengths of the behavioral approach to treating phobias

Answer 5

• SD supportive evidence (eg. McGrath found 75% effectively responded to SD, increasing validity)
• F is effective and cost effective (eg. Reduces financial burden by offering quicker and cheaper treatment)

Question 6

Limitations of the behavioral approach to treating phobias

Answer 6

• SD is ineffective in treating all phobias (eg. People with innate phobias can’t unlearn evolutionary response)
• F is inappropriate for some patients (eg. Patients unwilling to complete due to extreme distress, possibly making phobia worse)