Key Question + Practical

Question 1

Aim of Capafons study

Answer 1

• to investigate if systematic desensitisation is an effective therapy at reducing fear of flying compared to receiving no treatment

Question 2

Procedure of capafons study

Answer 2

• volunteer sample of 41 p.pants, matched pairs with CG with age and sex
• random allocate 20 in experimental group and 21 in no treatment group
• pre test = each measure their fear of flying from interviews, self reports of EMV, EPAV and physiological measures e.g. heart rate
• EG receive 2 one hour SD session in 8 weeks time, relaxation, imagination training, fear hierarchy
• A flight of outbound and return journey after 7 days of competed SD
• post test again with interviews and self report

Question 3

Findings of capafon study

Answer 3

• all measures decreased
• fear reduction of EMV during flight from 25.6 to 13.25
• heart rate reduced from 1.04 to 0.99
• fear of flying of 5 % of CG patients subside over time without treatment

Question 4

Conclusion of capafons study

Answer 4

• SD is effective at treating fear of flying, and as there was no corresponding reduction in fear in control group, the passing of time is not enough to reduce fear

Question 5

Key question of LP

Answer 5

• would it be a good idea for airline companies to offer treatment programmes for fear of flying ?

Question 6

AO1 describe key question

Answer 6

• fear of flying = aerophobia, diagnosed if it is a persistent excess fear, with active avoidance of flying, enduring situation with intense anxiety and heavily affect daily life e.g. business men to have meeting
• 2-5 % of prevalence rate in population
• British Airways - Flying with confidence + Virgin - flying without fear = claims 92-98 success rate
• potential increase bookings and revenue
• enhanced better reputations
• gain long term customer loyalty
• patients can get enjoyment and reduce discomfort and confidence on flying

Question 7

AO3 explain key question

Answer 7

1) use learning theories of CC to explain how phobias can be unlearned = reciprocal inhibition
2) Explain how airlines companies use SD to reduce fear of flying = counter conditioning
3) supported by Capafons study = suggest should offer therapy
4) however, run by airlines companies = only accessible in large cities and mor expensive = success rate can be biased = suggest should not offer therapy