The behavioural approach to treating phobias: Systematic desensitisation

Question 1

Outline

Answer 1

This is a therapy based on classical conditioning that involves gradually exposing the sufferer to the object of their fear. It uses counter-conditioning which involves changing the conditioned response of fear to one of relaxation.

Question 2

1. Developing an anxiety hierarchy

Answer 2

which is a series of increasingly more frightening situations that gradually build up to the object of their fear.

Question 3

2. Relaxation techniques

Answer 3

such as breathing and using mental imagery

Question 4

3. Exposure

Answer 4

to different parts of the anxiety hierarchy where the patient learns to relax at each stage

Question 5

Evaluation strength: Gilroy et al

Answer 5

found that patients with spider phobia who were given the therapy were less fearful after 33 months than a control group.

Question 6

Evaluation strength: suitable for a wider range of patients

Answer 6

because other treatments like cognitive therapy depends on the patient being able to accurately articulate their problems.

Question 7

Evaluation strength: popular

Answer 7

as it does not involve the same level as trauma as flooding and people enjoy the relaxation techniques. Therefore, less likely to drop out due to stress.