Behavioural pproach to treating phobias

Question 1

What is systematic desensitisation?

Answer 1

A therapy designed to reduce phobic anxiety thrpugh classical conditioning. A new response is learnt to the stimulus and this is called counterconditioning. It also causes reciprocal inhibition as it is impossible to be afraid and relax.

Question 2

What are the three processes involved in systematic desensitisation?

Answer 2

Anxiety hierarchy-List of situations from most to lest frightening
Relaxation-Patients are taught how to relax as deeply as possible
Exposure-The patient is exposed to the stimulus whilst relaxed, starting at the bottom of the hierarchy. When the patient can stay relaxed in situations high on the hierarchy, the treatment is successful.

Question 3

What is flooding?

Answer 3

Immediate exposure to a frightening situation. The patient quickly learns the stimulus is harmless. In classical conditioning a learned response is extinguished when the conditioned stimulus os enountered without the unconditioned stimulus. This is extinction.

Question 4

What are the strengths of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 4

It is effective in treating phobias
It is suitable for a range of patients
It is preferred to flooding when patients have a choice?

Question 5

What are the weaknesses of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 5

It is more expensive

Question 6

What are the strengths of flooding?

Answer 6

It often only requires one session

It is cost effective

Question 7

What are the weaknesses of flooding?

Answer 7

It is less effective for social phobias or more cognitive phobias
The treatment is traumatic for patients