Systematic desensitisation Flashcards
What is systematic desensitisation?
A way of treating phobias through classical conditioning, which involves gradual exposure to the phobia stimulus
What is the first stage ?
Functional analysis- conversation between the therapist to identify nature of anxiety through possible triggers.
What is the second stage?
Developing an anxiety hierarchy- working jointly together to create a hierarchy of fears from least to most fearful
What is the third stage?
Relaxation training- the client is taught to relax through various methods
What is the fourth stage?
Gradual exposure- working through the anxiety hierarchy
What is counter conditioning ?
It is impossible for a person to be both relaxed and scared at the same time
Who supports systematic desensitisation?
Supported by Mcgrath who found 75% of people responded positively to systematic desensitisation. This is a strength because it shows hoe relaxation techniques and gradual exposure can reduce a fear which makes it a credible explanation.
OTOH- 25% of people done respond to the fear which reduces the validity
Who conflicts systematic desensitisation?
Conflicted by Boulougoris who gave half of his participants SD and the other half flooding and those who had flooding was better and lasted 12 months. This is a weakness because it suggests that SD is not a credible explanation as it it not effective son lowers the validity
What is another explanation?
Flooding
