strengths of systematic desensitisation

Question 1

Name one strength of systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

SD has proven to be successful in treating a range of phobias

 - McGrath et al in the 1970s reported that 75% of patient with phobias respond to SD
 - success lies in vivo treatment (Choy et al 2007 argues)
 - This demonstrates the effectiveness of SD

Question 2

Name a second strength of SD

Answer 2

One strength of behavioural therapies is that they are generally faster cheaper and require less effort than other psychotherapies. For example, CBT requires a willingness for people to think deeply about their mental problems which is not true for behavioural therapies

Question 3

Name a third advantage of SD

Answer 3

SD can be suitable for many patients
If an individual suffers from learning disability as well as anxiety or a specific phobia, SD can be a suitable alternative for them rather than CBT as patients may struggle to evaluate their own thoughts or make full cognitive commitment as associated with CBT