Treating Phobias: Systematic Desensitisation & Flooding Flashcards
What are the 2 approaches to treating phobias?
- Systematic Desensitisation
- Flooding
What approach do both methods of treating phobias link to?
The behaviourist approach
What is Systematic Desensitisation?
A behavioural therapy that involves gradually exposing the individual to the phobic stimulus in a controlled and relaxed environment
What is Flooding?
A behavioural therapy in which a client is exposed to the phobic stimulus without a gradual build-up
What is the new response to the phobic stimulus learnt in Systematic Desensitisation?
Relaxation
How many stages are there to Systematic Desensitisation?
3
What are the 3 stages of Systematic Desensitisation?
- Curating an anxiety hierarchy
- Learning relaxation techniques
- Gradual exposure to the phobic stimulus
Describe the curation of an Anxiety Hierarchy
Together the client and therapist arrange a list of situations and objects related to the phobic stimulus in order from least to most fear inducing
What idea is Systematic Desensitisation based on?
Counterconditioning: an individual’s response of fear to a phobic stimulus is reduced via classical conditioning by teaching them a new, alternative response to it
What are same examples of relaxation techniques the client may be taught in the 2nd Stage of Systematic Desensitisation?
- Breath work
- Meditation techniques
What is the idea of teaching clients relaxation techniques in Systematic Desensitisation based on?
Reciprocal Inhibition: the idea it is physiologically impossible to feel two contradictory emotions (e.g. fear and relaxation) simultaneously, and therefore one cancels out the other
Describe the 3rd Stage of Systematic Desensitisation
The client is gradually exposed to the phobic stimulus, whilst encouraged to remain in a relaxed state at the same time, starting at the bottom of the anxiety hierarchy
When does the client move their way up the anxiety hierarchy in Systematic Desensitisation?
Only when they are able remain relaxed in the level below it
Which approach to treating phobias is considered more ethical?
Systematic Desensitisation
What evidence is there of Systematic Desensitisation’s effectiveness? (2 Studies)
- McGrath et al, who found that 75% of patients with phobias were successfully treated using systematic desensitisation
- Barlow et al, who found success rates between 60-90% for specific phobias
What did Gilroy’s Longitudinal Study conclude in relation to Systematic Desensitisation?
42 patients with arachnophobia who were treated using 3 45-minute systematic desensitisation sessions were less fearful when assessed both 3 months and 33 months later compared to the control group who were only taught relaxation techniques
What did Ohman et al suggest in regards to Systematic Desensitisation?
It may not be effective for treating phobias with an underlying evolutionary basis, such as a fear of the dark or heights, as they weren’t acquired via classical conditioning
Why is it important that Systematic Desensitisation is client-centred?
It allows them some control, in turning making them feel more secure
Why may Systematic Desensitisation be limited in its application to real-life scenarios?
It is not reflective of how phobias are encountered in everyday life, due to the controlled, contained environment
What idea is Flooding based on?
- That anxiety will eventually level out and subside once the individual has been exposed to the phobic stimulus for a long enough period of time, with some clients exhausting themselves from their own fear response
- By eliminating the option of avoidance behaviour, the client learns that the phobic stimulus is not dangerous
How long do Flooding sessions typically last?
2-3 hours, or until anxiety subsides
Which approach to treating phobias is more cost-effective and why?
Flooding, as it can work in as little as one session
What did Ougrin conclude about Flooding?
That it is just as effective as other treatment methods, such as systematic desensitisation
Which approach to treating phobias is considered more traumatic?
Flooding, which may mean that therapists are less inclined to use it