Therapy SD

Question 1

Main components of SD

Answer 1

Step 1: client taught range relaxation techniques applied at each stage ( new adaptive response replaces old maladaptive). Relaxation inhibits anxiety- reciprocal inhibition

Step 2: both construct anxiety hierarchy least to most. trad in vivo, now in vitro

Step 3: combine relax techniques & hierarchy. Must master techniques at each stage to move on.

SD only complete when maladaptive response unlearnt

Question 2

How behaviourist assumptions apply to SD

Answer 2

Main assumption is all behaviour learned.

Principles of classical and operant help unlearn, SD more classical based.

Based on Counterconditioning: client associate with relaxation rather than anxiety, due to reciprocal inhibition ( cannot experience 2 contrasting states of emotion simultaneously)

Features operant: relaxed with phobic object = positively reinforcing.

Developed by Joseph Wolfe 1950s to treat phobic disorders.

Question 3

Evaluation of SD 1 (research supports in learned phobia)

Answer 3

P - research supports role SD plays in treating learned phobia

E- Rathbaum used to treat patients with fear of flying compare with control who did not. 93% of treatment agreed to take trial flight, lower anxiety, + 6 months later.

E - long term, superior for learned phobias

L- Better than biological drug therapy as symptoms reappear when stop taking pill.

Question 4

Evaluation of SD 2 (all phobias)

Answer 4

P- Evidence concluded SD not effective in treating all phobias

E- Bregman failed to condition fear response in infants 8-16 m/o by pairing loud bell with wooden blocks

E- Fear response only learned with living animals, likely due to link with ancient fears

L- Phobia not entirely learnt, cannot be combated by CC as stems from genetically hardwired instinct.

+- Seligman argued animals inc humans programmed to rapidly learn association between life threading stimuli & fear, evolutionary past. Snakes not cars

Question 5

Evaluation SD 3 (underlying cause)

Answer 5

P- May not be effective if symptom of underlying cause.

E- psychodynamic projection, Freud recorded Little Hans, developed phobia of horses due to intense envy of father. When accepted feelings, phobia cured.

E- SD ineffective here as would be projected elsewhere

L- Only effective if phobia learned unrelated to ancient fears and without underlying cause.