Psychopathology: Behavioural approach to treating phobias

Question 1

What is the aim of behavioural approach?

Answer 1

To replace fear with an association to relaxation/calmness.

Question 2

What are the two ways of treating phobias?

Answer 2

Systematic Desensitisation + Flooding

Question 3

What is the aim of SD?

Answer 3

To extinguish an undesirable behaviour by replacing it with a more desirable one. Counterbalancing.

Question 4

What is the 1st stage of SD?

Answer 4

Phobia is broken down into anxiety hierarchy.

Question 5

2nd stage of SD?

Answer 5

Involves the therapist teaching relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises.

Question 6

3rd stage of SD?

Answer 6

Gradual exposure.

-Leads to the extinction of fear association and a new association with relaxation.

Question 7

What study supports SD?

Answer 7

McGraph (1990) : Curing a girls phobia of loud noises.

Question 8

What is flooding?

Answer 8

Attempt to counter condition the phobia by immediate + full exposure to the maximum level.

• Will cause temporary panic.
• Prevention of avoidance, until fear is extinguished.

Question 9

What study supports flooding?

Answer 9

Joseph Wolpe (1970)

• Took a girl scared of cars and drove her for 4 hours.
• Eventually realised there was no danger.

Question 10

Compare SD and Flooding?

Answer 10

• SD is often thought to be more successful as the client is in control of their progress.
• SD has a higher completion rate, possibly due to focus on relaxation and resting.
• Flooding isn’t appropriate for older people, heart conditions and children due to ethics.

Question 11

Flooding positives?

Answer 11

• Cost effective: compared to cognitive therapies its highly effective and quicker.
• Studies support.

Question 12

Negatives of flooding?

Answer 12

• Less effective: not useful for social phobias.

- Ethics: Psychological harm.