Behaviourist Approach: Treating Phobias

Question 1

Systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

• according to systematic desensitisation, two emotional states cannot exist at the same time.
• based on classical conditioning: used to associate the phobic stimulus with relaxation instead of fear, therefore anxiety is desensitised.
• the patient is taught a new association that runs parallel to the original.

Question 2

Reciprocal inhibition

Answer 2

The response of relaxation inhibits the response of anxiety.

Question 3

Relaxation

Answer 3

patient learns relaxation techniques, such as controlled breathing, taking slow and deep breaths, visualising a peaceful scene. Progressive muscle relaxation is also used to relax one muscle group at a time.

Question 4

Desensitisation

Answer 4

SD works by gradually introducing the person to the feared situation, one step at a time and not overwhelming them (Flooding).
At each stage of relaxation, anxiety decreases.

Question 5

+ real world application

Answer 5

• researcher have found SD is successful for a range of phobic disorders.
• McGrath (1990) reported that about 75% of patients with a phobic disorder respond to SD.
• Comer (2003) found that modelling can help, watching someone else who is coping well with the feared stimulus.

Question 6

General effectiveness of behaviour therapies

Answer 6

• Behaviour therapies are generally fast and less effortful than psychotherapies that require the patient to think, CBT requires a lot of willpower from the patient, in understanding behaviour and new insights.
• Therefore, it’s useful for those that lack insight such as children or adults with learning difficulties.
• SD can also be self-administered and has been found to be just as effective as therapist lead SD, this will be a lot cheaper.

Question 7

Flooding

Answer 7

One long session (3 hours) where patient experiences their phobia at its worst, whilst at the same time practising relaxation techniques. (Can be vivo or vret). Fear has a time limit and is exhausted (fight or flight runs out). New association between feared stimulus and relaxation is learned.

Question 8

Strengths

Answer 8

• cost effective as it is a quicker treatment (1 session compared to many of SD).

Question 9

Weaknesses

Answer 9

• traumatic as it is very intense and puts the patient under immense anxiety. Therefore, patients are more likely to quit which reduces the ultimate effectiveness of flooding.
• Symptom substitutions: behavioural therapies may reduce symptoms but does not treat the overall cause. this may lead to symptom substitutions.g a smoker quitting smoking and picking up eating more because underlying issue not solved.