Systematic desensitisation Flashcards
What is systematic desensitisation? (2 points)
Based on classical conditioning - aims to teach the patient to associate relaxation with the feared object
Uses reciprocal inhibition - that a person can’t be both relaxed and anxious at the same time
What are the 4 steps of systematic desensitisation?
- Functional analysis – the patient and therapist will sit down and discuss the nature of the phobia e.g. triggers
- The patient is given relaxation training through drugs, hypnosis and muscle control, breathing techniques, meditation
- Patient and therapist create a hierarchy of fears from least to most fearful situation
- Patient works through the stages of the hierarchy, replacing anxiety with relaxation techniques at each stage
What is the strength of systematic desensitisation as a treatment for phobias? (3 points)
Supported by Capafons et al (1998)
Used SD to effectively treat patients with a phobia of flying
Didn’t work on every individual - further research is required
How credible is systematic desensitisation as a treatment for phobias? (2 points)
Can lack ecological validity if virtual reality or hypnosis is used for the patient to ‘imagine’ the feared situation
In-vivo exposure therapy is typically more effective than in-vitro therapy (Wolitzky-Taylor et al., 2008)
Are there any other explanations for systematic desensitisation as a treatment for phobias? (3 points)
People with social phobia not only experience an anxiety response but they have unpleasant thoughts about the situation
A cognitive approach to therapy to tackle irrational thinking may be more appropriate
Toozandehjani found that the effects of SD did not last more than 3 months when used for social phobia
Is there any room for debate on systematic desensitisation as a treatment for phobias? (2 points)
Relies on the patient being motivated to engage in the therapy - isn’t always the case for some patients
Process of creating an anxiety hierarchy requires effort and motivation
