Contemporary study: Capafons et al. (1998) Flashcards
What was the aim of Capafons et al. study?
To measure the effectiveness of systematic desentisation as a treatment for a fear of flying.
What type of sample was the study?
Volunteer sample.
What was the sample?
41 P’s allocated to each condition using random sampling.
- 20 P’s assigned to the treatment group (recieve systematic desensitisation).
- 21 P’s assigned to control group (no therapy).
- Groups balanced on sex, age and self-reported fear level.
What diagnostic scales were used to assess the P’s fear of flying?
- EMV - measures degree of anxiety percieved in relation to different flight situations.
- EPAV Scale - measured occurrence of catastrophic thoughts, e.g. wings falling off plane or fear of enguine catching fire.
What was the procedure of Capafons et al. study?
- Video made from a subjective perspective about a trip by plane: begins with traveller packing their things, ends with plane touching down at destination.
- P’s given relaxation session where they become acquainted with situations in the video they’re about to watch.
- 3 mins prior to vid, interview was completed where measurements taken on EPV, EPAV scale and heart rate, temp and muscle tension.
- After 8 weeks, treatment + control invtied back to retake questionnaire and simulated video test. Control watched vid but no therapy.
What were the results from the study?
- EMV treatment = 12.35 improvement between pre and post test, but only 0.24 improvement for control.
- EPAV treatment = 5.3 improvement, but only 0.09 improvement for control.
Did controls show reduction in P assessment of their own fear of flying?
Controls didn’t show reduction in P assessment of their own fear of flying or objective measures of arousal.
Did treatment group see a reduction in P’s self report levels of fear?
Yes - sig reduction in P’s self reported levels of fear as well as in objective physiological measures.
What were the conclusions from the study?
