Systematic desensitisation Flashcards
What is systematic desensitisation?
It’s a behavioural therapy based on classical conditioning that aims to replace a phobic response with a relaxation response through gradual exposure.
What is reciprocal inhibition?
The idea that a person cannot feel fear and relaxation at the same time – SD uses this principle to replace fear with relaxation.
What are the four main steps in systematic desensitisation?
- Functional analysis - and interview with therapist to work out how severe the fear is, how effecting your life etc.
- Anxiety hierarchy – client ranks phobic stimuli from least to most fearful
- Relaxation training (e.g., breathing techniques, muscle relaxation/visualisation)
- Gradual exposure – client is exposed step-by-step while using relaxation
How is systematic desensitisation carried out?
- The client is gradually exposed to the feared object/situation starting with the least frightening, using relaxation techniques at each stage. This continues until they feel comfortable at the highest level of the fear hierarchy.
Different treatment
P- SD is more ethical than flooding
E- It’s more gentle and gradual, it starts the process via a fear hierarchy and builds up, whereas flooding straight exposes you to the phobia
E- Therefore, SD creates a more safe and ethical environment for the client
Expense
P- Cost-effective for simple phobias
E- It often requires fewer sessions than long-term therapies like psychoanalysis or CBT. Also sometimes available under the NHS
E- This makes it a practical option for health services, though flooding might be cheaper due to requiring fewer sessions.
Supporting Studies
P- Research supports from capafons
E- Found 90% success rates using SD on people afraid of flying. They had 8 weeks of gradual exposure working through an anxiety hierarchy
E- Therefore, it is an effective treatment and could be used for other simple phobias.
Side effects
P- SD has minimal side effects compared to drug treatments.
E- As it focuses on relaxation and gradual exposure, it avoids physical side effects and trauma.
E- Clients may even benefit from improved general anxiety control, unlike medications which may cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms.
Ethics & Social Control
P- SD is considered more ethical than some alternatives.
E- It involves informed consent, and clients are in control of their exposure through the anxiety hierarchy.
E- This makes SD more respectful of client autonomy, though some argue that changing fears might be a form of social control.
Reason for Symptoms / Masking
P- A limitation is that SD may treat the symptoms but not the root cause.
E- For example, someone with a fear of dogs due to a traumatic incident may reduce their fear, but unresolved trauma could remain.
E- This means SD may be less suitable for complex phobias with deeper psychological roots, such as those linked to past experiences or internal conflict.
Time Commitment
P- SD requires more time than some rapid treatments like flooding.
E- The gradual building of an anxiety hierarchy and step-by-step exposure can take several sessions.
E- Although this slower pace makes the therapy more manageable, it may not be ideal for those seeking quick results.
