Behaviourist Approach - Treating Phobias AO1 & AO3 Flashcards
Define Systematic Desensitisation
AO1
Behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through counterconditioning
What is it called when one emotion prevents another?
AO1
reciprocal inhibition
What are the 3 processes in SD?
AO1
1) Anxiety Hierarchy
2) Relaxation
3) Exposure
What is an anxiety hierarchy?
AO1
a list of situations related to the phobic stimulus, arranged in the order of least to most frightening.
Put together by patient and therapist
what is involved in the ‘Relaxation’ step in SD?
AO1
the therapist teaching the patient to relax through breathing exercises/mental imagery/meditation
What happens in the ‘exposure’ part of SD?
AO1
patient exposed to the stimulus while in a relaxed state. Once patient achieves relaxation in the lower levels of the anxiety hierarchy they move up.
Who conducted research to support SD? What did they do?
AO3
Gilroy et al - followed up w/ 42 patients that were treated for a spider phobia through SD. after 3 and 33 months time ppts in SD group were less fearful than control group.
So, longlasting and effective
SD is suitable for a range of patients.
Why?
AO3 - Strength
Patients with learning difficulties can have a hard time understanding what is happening in alternative therapies, so SD is more appropriate for them.
Why do more patients choose to do SD than flooding?
AO3 - strength
Patients prefer it b/c it is less traumatic than flooding and has pleasant aspects i.e. meditation.
Shown in low refusal rates and low attrition rates.
What is flooding?
AO1
When patient is exposed to phobic stimulus w/o build-up, it is an immediate exposure.
How does flooding work?
AO1
Learned response to stimulus is extinguished when conditioned stimulus is encountered w/o the unconditioned stimulus. Patients become relaxed in the presence b/c of exhaustion and thus extinct the phobia.
Why does Flooding need informed consent?
AO1
While it is ethical it is a traumatic procedure and the patient needs to be fully prepared before the session.
Why is flooding cost-effective?
AO3 - Strength
compared to other therapies it has been found to be more effective and quicker - means patients are free of symptoms quicker thus making treatment cheaper.
