The Behavioural Approach to Treating Phobias : Systematic Desensitisation

Question 1

name the 2 ways in which you can treat a phobia

Answer 1

systematic desensitisation

flooding

Question 2

define systematic desensitisation

Answer 2

a gradual process in which one learns a new response to a phobic stimulus through classical conditioning

Question 3

when is systematic desensitisation carried out?

Answer 3

through several sessions

Question 4

what happens in systematic desensitisation ?

Answer 4

counter-conditioning

reciprocal inhibition

Question 5

define counter-conditioning

Answer 5

person learns to associate relaxation with stimulus rather than anxiety

Question 6

define reciprocal inhibition?

Answer 6

idea than person cannot show anxiety and relaxation at the same time

person learns to relax

Question 7

name the 3 main steps in SD

Answer 7

1. Anxiety hierarchy
2. relaxation
3. exposure

Question 8

what is anxiety hierarchy?

Answer 8

list different situations linked with their phobic stimulus from least scary to most

Question 9

what is relaxation? (SD)

Answer 9

therapists teaches patient relaxation techniques

e.g breathing exercises

Question 10

what is exposure? (SD)

Answer 10

over several sessions, patient is exposed to phobic stimulus

relax on one level, move to next level