Behaviourist approach to treating phobias Flashcards

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1
Q

What is systematic desensitisation

A

Behavioural therapy
Gradually reduces phobic anxiety
Based on classical conditioning

Therapy aims to countercondition
Anxiety is replaced with relaxation response

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2
Q

What is step 1 of SD

A

Fear hierarchy

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

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3
Q

What is step 2 of SD

A

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

Drugs may be used

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4
Q

What is step 3 of SD

A

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

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5
Q

What is flooding

A

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

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6
Q

Evaluate the behaviourist approach to treating phobias

A

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

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