Lesson 7: The behaviour approach to treating phobias- SD and Flooding

Question 1

SD AO1

Answer 1

• Wolpe 1958 to diminish phobias using classical conditioning
• replaces irrational fears with calm and relaxed responses
  Reciprocal inhibition - impossible to feel two opposite emotions at once

Question 2

Process of SD

Answer 2

1) hierarchy of fear
2) relaxation techniques
3) gradual exposure

Question 3

SD advantages

Answer 3

• SD was used to eradicate ‘Little Peter’s’ phobia. A white rabbit was presented to Little Peter at gradually closer distances and each time his anxiety levels lessened. Eventually he developed affection for the white rabbit, which extended to all white fluffy objects. This shows how SD can work to eliminate phobias
• Klosko et al 87% stress free post SD compared to 36% on placebo
• Less traumatic so less ethical implications

Question 4

SD disadvantages

Answer 4

Not always practical
- e.g. sharks

Question 5

Flooding AO1

Answer 5

• direct exposure to phobic object in an immediate situation
• taught relaxation techniques beforehand e.g. deep muscle relaxation, deep breathing and meditation
• no gradual build up, can be done in vivo or virtually
• no option for avoidance, patient realises phobic object is harmless, extinction occurs
• ethical since fully informed consent is provided

Question 6

Flooding positives

Answer 6

• cost effective compared to CBT since its shorter
• Ost (1997) stated flooding is an effective and rapid treatment, especially when exposure to feared object is continued outside therapy

Question 7

Flooding negatives

Answer 7

• less effective for some phobias e.g. social phobias since they have more cognitive aspects; social phobias can be cured more successfully using cognitive therapies
• highly traumatic so patients may not continue till end and as a result waste time and money so SD may be better