Systematic Desensitisation (Behaviourist)

Question 1

How do behaviourists believe that phobias came about?

Answer 1

Argue that they come through learning, People are not bon with phobias but develop them dure to a negative experience (classical)

Question 2

Who first developed SD?

Answer 2

Wolpe (1958)

Question 3

What is the aim of SD?

Answer 3

Aims to extinguish a phobia by eradicating an undesirable behaviour (fear) and replaces it with a more desirable one (relaxation)

Question 4

How does this therapy link with the assumptions?

Answer 4

• All behaviour is learnt from the environment so we can unlearn conditioned responses by manipulating the environment
• Classical conditioning so we can conditioning stimuli to be associated with relaxation
• Uses generalisation, relaxation responses learned in one response to one set of stimuli should be generalisable to others
• Operant conditioning as success in therapy will be rewarding and encourage them to make further progress

Question 5

What is reciprocal inhibition?

Answer 5

It is almost impossible to feel two opposing emotions at the same time (counter conditioning)

Question 6

What are the main stages of SD?

Answer 6

1) Given deep muscle relaxation techniques
2) Constructs a hierachy of fear (desensitisation hierachy)
3)Gradually works their way through, starts with the least fearful. Visualise the situation. Due to reciprocal inhibition, they should be able to visualise the stressful situation while remaining relaxed
4) Next step of the hierachy, therapy moves at the pace decided by the client, they can move back if needed
5) The client will reach the top of the hierachy and have mastered the situation

Question 7

What are the two different types of SD?

Answer 7

In vivo desentisation & In vitro desentisation

Question 8

What is in vivo desentisation?

Answer 8

Client has to relax while directly experiencing the feared stimuli

Question 9

What is in vitro desentisation?

Answer 9

Client has to visualise the feared stimuli

Question 10

Which type of SD is more effective?

Answer 10

In Vivo techniques are more successful than In Vitro (Menzies and Clarke 1993)

Question 11

Is SD appropriate for all phobias?

Answer 11

No, it is not effective for generalized fears (including biological preparedness fears)
May not work with certain phobias as it is only the tip of the iceberg

Question 12

Is SD ethical?

Answer 12

More ethical than flooding.
SD is conducted slowly and at the pace of the client
Able to provide valid consent, used with phobias not mental illness
Client comes out of free will