systematic desensitisation

Question 1

what is systematic desensitisation?

Answer 1

a behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through the principle of classical conditioning

• a new response is learned such as relaxation instead of anxiety known as counterconditioning

Question 2

what are the 3 principles involved?

Answer 2

1. the anxiety hierarchy
2. relaxation
3. exposure

Question 3

what is the anxiety hierarchy and what does it involve?

Answer 3

• put together by the client and therapist

- list of situations related to phobia ranked from least to most frightening

Question 4

what does it mean relaxation and what does it involve?

Answer 4

• therapist teaches the client to relax as much as possible through meditation, breathing exercises, mental imagery, valium (drug)

Question 5

what is reciprocal inhabitation?

Answer 5

impossible to be afraid and relaxed at the same time

Question 6

what does it mean by exposure and what does it involve?

Answer 6

• the client will only be exposed to the phobia in a relaxed state
• several sessions starting from the bottom of the hierarchy
• gradually built up
• successful when the client can stay relaxed with phobia

Question 7

how is systematic desensitisation being used on people with learning disabilities a strength?

EVALUATION

Answer 7

• as people with learning disabilities struggle with cognitive therapies that require a high level of rational thought
• they may feel confused and distressed by the traumatic experience of flooding
• this is the most appropriate method for people with learning difficulties

Question 8

who provided evidence to suggest systematic desensitisation is effective?

EVALUATION

Answer 8

• Lisa Gilroy et al 2003
• 42 people who had systematic desensitization fir spider phobia in three 45 minute sessions
• at 3 and 33 months the systematic desensitization group were less fearful than the control group treated by relaxation without exposure