The Behavioural Approach to treating phobias

Question 1

State process of Counter Conditioning

Answer 1

• Patient taught a new association
• Taught through classical conditioning
• Associate phobia stimulus with new response

Relaxation (UCS) -> Feeling Calm (UCR)
Featured Stimulus (CS) + Relaxation = Fear (UCR)

Question 2

State the process of Relaxation in treating phobias

Answer 2

• Patient focus on breathing & taking it slow

- Decrease anxiety as it’s incompatible

Question 3

State the process of Systematic Desensitisation

Answer 3

• Gradually introduce individual to feared situation one step at a time
• Creates a Desensitisation hierarchy is created

Question 4

State the process of Desensitisation hierarchy

Answer 4

Example - Phobia of a dog

1) Look at a picture of a dog
2) Watch cartoon with a dog in it
3) Watch a TV show with real dogs
4) Go to a dog park
5) Pet a dog

Question 5

State the definition of Flooding

Answer 5

• Expose the individual with their feared situation
• Person experiences phobia at it’s worst
• Limited time

Question 6

What are the behavioural approach to treating phobias

Answer 6

• Counter Conditioning
• Systematic desensitisation
• Flooding