Capafons et al (1998) Flashcards
What were the aims of Capafons et al (1998)?
To see whether the use of SD will reduce ppts fear of flying due to the fact they feel in control of the treatment
To see whether the use of imagery as well as exposure in SD are effective in reducing fear of flying
Describe the sample of Capafons (1998)?
41 ppts
20 in the treatment (8 males, 12 females)
21 in the control group (9 males, 12 females)
Matched in age, sex, self reported fear level and psychological measures of fear.
Recruited through a media campaign.
Told that they would take part in a personal intervention programme that aimed to treat the fear of flying.
What were the pre and post intervention measures during Capafons?
General Diagnosis of fear with interview covering life history and aspects relating to flying.
Same 3 questions used for each ppts.
- “How afraid of flying would you say you are?”
- “What symptoms have you had while flying?”
- “Do you travel by plane when there’s no alternative?”
EMV measuring fear during flight
EPAV measuring catastrophic thoughts and how they physically present themselves
Psychophysiological measures (heart rate, muscle tension, skin temperature)
Describe the procedure of Capafons (1998)?
In session 1 Ppts were interviewed to complete General Diagnosis of fear and then in a later sessions they completed EMV and EPAV
Ppts were later called back to watch the simulation of flying from packing a suitcase to touching down after the flight, were told to feel as involved as possible.
The ppts psychophysiological responses were measured.
Experimental group
- Took place over 8 weeks
- Ppts had 2 one hour sessions per week (min 12 sessions, max 15 sessions) (Standardised individual systematic desensitisation)
- Taught relaxation training of breathing, going through hierarchy, applying it (Imagination and in rivo treatment)
Control group
- Received no treatment yet
What were the results of Capafons (1998)?
Both the control and experimental group has similar scores on all factors before treatment.
Control group faced no significant difference in any scores at the start and end of the study.
Significant differences in before and after treatment scores for experiment group.
What were the conclusions of Capafons (1998)?
Systematic desensitisation does eradicate or decrease fear of flying.
Concluded this was due to:
- rigorous training in breathing and relaxation techniques
- elaborate hierarchy that had different intensities
- use of real life situations with imagination sessions
