Phobias- behavioural treatment

Question 1

two treatments for phobias

Answer 1

systematic desensitisation
flooding

Question 2

outline systematic desensitisation

Answer 2

relaxation techniques
fear hierarchy
gradual exposure

uses principle of counterconditioning- cant have 2 contrasting emotions at once
progress up hierarchy when remain calm at that level. go up and down accordingly

Question 3

outline flooding

Answer 3

complete/immediate exposure to phobic stimulus
works based of idea that heightened anxiety impossible to be maintained for prolonged period so patient realises that stimulus is harmless

1. immediate/direct/full exposure
2. prevention of avoidance
3. until they are calm/anxiety has receded/fear is extinguished

Question 4

strength systematic desensitisation (VR)

Answer 4

Virtual reality: SD can be conducted using virtual reality which could make it more cost-effective and avoid dangerous situations (eg. heights).

however
lacks mundane realism as not real life etc

Question 5

strength flooding (cost)

Answer 5

Cost-effective: Flooding is highly cost-effective due to limited number of sessions required - more people can be treated with flooding than SD or other
therapies.

Question 6

limitation flooding (trauma)

Answer 6

Traumatic: Flooding is a highly unpleasant experience. Schumacher found flooding was rated significantly more stressful than SD, raising an ethical issue for therapists.
Attrition rates are also high due to this.

Question 7

limitation systematic desensitisation (price)

Answer 7

very expensive
£60+ for 6-8
slow/drop out