Behaviourist approach to treating phobias

Question 1

What is systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

Behavioural therapy
Gradually reduces phobic anxiety
Based on classical conditioning

Therapy aims to countercondition
Anxiety is replaced with relaxation response

Question 2

What is step 1 of SD

Answer 2

Fear hierarchy

Phobic situation ranked from most scary to least scary (0-100)

Question 3

What is step 2 of SD

Answer 3

Relaxation techniques
Used when going through fear hierarchy again
Manages anxiety
E.g. Breathing techniques, meditation, music

Drugs may be used

Question 4

What is step 3 of SD

Answer 4

Classical conditioning
Phobic stimulus associated with new response
Takes place through multiple sessions
Allows client to go through fear hierarchy and counter condition

Question 5

What is flooding

Answer 5

Behavioural therapy
Conditioned response is removed

Client exposed to high anxiety situation straight away
Client taught relaxation techniques
Prevents negative reinforcement

Sessions longer than SD
Can be imaginary exposure

Question 6

Evaluate the behaviourist approach to treating phobias

Answer 6

Faster/less effort/cheap for client than other methods e.g. CBT

Evidence to support - Arachnophobia clients before SD/33 months after - SD group less fearful than control group - Counter - no evidence for other phobias

May not be effective for complex phobias

Nomothetic vs ideographic