Saavedra and Silverman (results/conclusions) Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the results for the postive reinforcement therpay.
A
- The boy successfully completed all the** exposure tasks** on the fear heirarchy
- The boy was observed approaching the buttons more postively (handling a greater number of buttons in later sessions)
- The boys subjective distress ratings increased significantly between sessions 2 (4) and 3 (6) (and continued to rise).
- Many of the items on the fear heirachy increased in dislike from orginal scores by session 4. (hugging mum while wearing buttons)
2
Q
What conclusions can be made from the results of the postive reinforcement therapy?
A
- Despite observable behaviour towards the feared stimuli improving
- His feelings of DISGUST/FEAR/ANXIETY increased (as a result from the intervention)
- These results are consistent with previous research into evaluative learning. Despite repeated exposures to the feared stilumi evalautive reactions remain unchanged/ worsen
3
Q
What are some results from the imagery exposure therapy intervention?
A
- Sucessfully reduces the boys distress ratings
- One visualisation of “imagine 100s of buttons falling on your body” was rated the most fearful and disgusting thing (8) but reduced to 5 (midway) and 3 after the exposure therapy.
4
Q
What are some results from the 6 and 12 month follow up assessment sessions?
A
- The boy reported minimal distress about buttons
- No longer met the diagnostic criteria for button phobia
- His feelings towards buttons no longer affected his normal functioning
- He was able to wear small plastic buttons on his school uniform on a daily basis
5
Q
What are the conclusions from this study?s
A
- Disgust-related emotions and cognitions plays a crucial role in the development and maintaince of a phobia
- Imagery exposure can have a positive long term effect in reducing stress linked to phobias as it tackles negative evaluation
- A phobia can be treated with positive reinforcement and imagery exposure
