Behaviourist Approach To Treating Phobias

Question 1

Describe systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

Uses counter conditioning
- it is behavioural therapy designed to reduce phobic anxiety through gradual exposure to phobic stimuli
1) fear hierarchy- rank phobic situation from least to most terrifying
2) relaxation training= individual taught relaxation training eg breathing techniques,mental imagery techniques
3)reciprocal inhabitation= exposing patient to phobic stimulus at the same time as being relaxed - unable to be relaxed and anxious at the same time and relaxation should overtake fear- individuals move up the hierarchy until their relaxed in the most feared situation- phobia cured

Question 2

What is counter conditioning

Answer 2

Learning a new response to the phobic stimulus ie relaxation

Question 3

What is flooding

Answer 3

Behavioural therapy designed to reduce phobic anxiety in one session through immediate exposure to phobic stimulus
- done in a secure environment so the patient can’t escape
- anxiety levels decrease due to continuous exposure of phobia
- extinction will occur as they realise phobia isn’t harmless

Question 4

AO3 flooding

Answer 4

+ cost effective- ougrin- cheaper compared to cognitive therapies -less time- one session
— less effective for complex phobias- social phobia- both anxiety and cognitive aspect eg irrational thinking - cognitive therapy more appropriate

Question 5

AO3 systematic desensitisation

Answer 5

+ research support from Gilory et al
- 42 patients 3 sessions- arachnophobia used systematic desensitisation- compared to control group who only used relaxation techniques- systematic desensitisation was less fearful them control group

— systematic desensitisation is not effective in all phobias
-phobias developed by personal experiences is not effective- some phobias have a evolutionary benefit