phobias

Question 1

outline SD

Answer 1

Construct of social hierarchy - therapist works with client to assess and order the most scary/ least scary situations. ie a fear of spiders least anxiety would be looking at a picture of a spider. most anxiety would be holding a spider
training relaxation techniques - control over breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation, imagining your favourite place, counting to 10.
gradual exposure - progress the the anxiety hierarchy implementing relaxation techniques. repeatedly provoked by situation until it produces no anxiety or fear, then you can progress to the next level.

Question 2

how can exposure be done in two different ways

Answer 2

in vitro - imagining in mind
in vivo - actually exposed to situation

Question 3

how can SD be paired with modelling

Answer 3

ppts observe role models in presence of the phobic situation and they show no anxiety/ are completely relaxed.

Question 4

how long does SD take?

Answer 4

depends on the severity of the phobia, usually 4-6 sessions up to 12 for severe. the therapy is completed when agreed goals are met (not necessarily when the phobia has completely gone).

Question 5

what is the principle/ science behind flooding

Answer 5

based on the idea that when thrown in at the deep end patient becomes exhausted. the body is put on hight alert, unnecessary process stop such as digestion and energy is channeled into flight or fight response. if prevent from making normal avoidance the extinction will occur.

Question 6

outline exposure in flooding

Answer 6

patient are bombarded with their highest level of anxiety (not gradually). this can be done in vivo (in real life) or by virtual reality.

Question 7

how is relaxation incorporated into flooding

Answer 7

extreme and anxiety and panic to begin with but eventually exhaustion settles in and anxiety levels go down. when the panic subsided they find that they have come to know harm.

Question 8

what role to the psychologist play in flooding

Answer 8

the therapist discusses the levels of anxiety that the patients are willing to endure during the session before it commences. very little reassurance or assistance other then helping with the relaxation strategies.

Question 9

give research to support flooding

Answer 9

wolpe took a girl with a phobia of cars on a drive until she calmed down and reported although initially stressed she calmed down.

has high external validity as it demonstrates that this treatment can be used in real life to reduce anxiety surrounding phobias.