Behavioural Treatments To Phobias

Question 1

What is systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

Joseph wolpe - 
Gradual exposure to phobia 
Fear hierarchy 
Relaxation 
Homework

Question 2

Describe gilroys study for effectiveness of SD

Answer 2

45 patients with spider phobia given either
A) computer aided exposure - best
B) therapist delivered exposure
C) relaxation placebo
Symptoms were measures post and pre treatment and 3 months after

Follow up - 42/43 3 months later maintained improvements

Question 3

Evaluate the appropriateness of SD

Answer 3

• Easier to explain to children or people with disabilities

- but time consuming so not suitable for people with busy lives

Question 4

What is flooding

Answer 4

Exposure to phobia for long periods of time

Question 5

Evaluate the effectiveness of flooding

Answer 5

Teasdale found that flooding only works for s long time

Wolpe - case study of a girl with driving phobia, anxiety decreased after 4 hours and it was cured

Question 6

Evaluate the appropriateness of flooding

Answer 6

Inappropriate for children or people with disabilities
Doesn’t target cognitive thoughts
Can be distressing - high levels of anxiety

But rapid and effective

Question 7

Outline bronson and Thorpe study of effectiveness of SD

Answer 7

8 patients with technophobia compared with non phobic controls
10 weeks of SD
Showed significant improvements