The behavioural approach to treating phobias

Question 1

What is systematic desensitisation?

Answer 1

A behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through the principle of classical conditioning

Question 2

Describe the threee processes involved in systematic desensitisation

Answer 2

1. the anxiety hierarchy
- list of situations related to the phobic stimulus that provoke anxiety, arranged in order from least to most frightening

2. relaxation
- breathing exercises/mental imagery techniques
- it is impossible to be both afraid and relaxed at the same time, so one emotion prevents the other (reciprocal inhibition)

3. Exposure
- client is exposed to the phobic stimulus while in a relaxed state
- takes place across several sessions starting at bottom of anxiety hierarchy
- treatment is successful when the client can stay relaxed in situations high on the anxiety hierarchy

Question 3

Strengths of systematic desensitisation

Answer 3

Supporting evidence:
Gilroy et al followed up 42 people who had SD for spider phobia, in three 45 minute sessions
At both 3 and 33 months, the SD group were less fearful

Question 4

Weakness of systematic desensitisation

Answer 4

time consuming

Question 5

What is flooding?

Answer 5

client is exposed to their phoic stimulus without a gradual build up
- immediate exposure
- fewer sessions than SD

Question 6

Strengths of flooding

Answer 6

highly cost effective
clinically effective and not expensive

Question 7

weaknesses of flooding

Answer 7

highly unpleasant experience