Systematic desensitisation: treating the fear of flying (1998)

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To test whether systematic desensitisation is effective as a therapeutic technique for treating fear of flying (aerophobia).

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

> 41 participants with fear of flying
20 were randomly assigned to the treatment group
21 were assigned to the waiting control group
The two groups were balanced in terms of age, sex, self-reported fear and some psychophysiological measures
Recruited as a result of a media campaign advertising free intervention programmes to treat fear of flying
The treatment group: 8 males and 12 females (mean age = 29.5)
The waiting control group: 9 males and 12 females (mean age = 34)

Question 3

Dependent variables

Answer 3

Measured before and after treatment:

1. Questions to diagnose fear of flying
2. 2 questionnaires to mesure fear of flying\
3. Heart rate, palm temperature and muscular tension of Ps measured whilst watching a film of a plane trip

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

> no significant difference between the groups before the treatment
no significant difference in scores between the two times for the control group (before/after)
several significant reductions in fear in treatment group
treatment group had significantly different scores compared to control group AFTER treatment on all but 2 measures (palm temperature & fear without involvement)

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

Overall, the programme successfully reduced fear of flying in the treatment group by using systematic desensitisation, although 2 participants (10%) did not show a significant reduction.