Psychopathology - behavioural approach to treating phobias Flashcards

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1
Q

what is the anxiety hierarchy in systematic desensitisation

A
  • put together by client and therapist
  • list of situations related to the phobic stimulus that provoke anxiety arranged in order from least to most frightening
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2
Q

what is systematic desensitisation

A
  • behavioural therapy gradually designed to reduce phobic anxiety through classical conditioning
  • anxiety hierarchy
  • relaxation
  • exposure
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3
Q

what is relaxation in systematic desensitisation

A
  • therapist teaches client to relax as deeply as possible
  • cannot be afraid and relaxed at the same time = one emotion prevents the other - reciprocal inhibition
  • breathing exercises
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4
Q

what is exposure in systematic desensitisation

A
  • exposed to phobic stimulus in a relaxed state
  • start at the bottom of the hierarchy
  • treatment successful when the client can stay relaxed in all situations
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5
Q

what are the strengths of systematic desensitisation

A

Lisa Gilroy et al (2003)
- followed 42 people who had SD for spider phobia over 3 45 minute sessions
- at 3 and 33 months the SD group were less fearful than a control group

People with learning disabilities
- flooding is too traumatic
- doesn’t require a high level of rational thought

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6
Q

what is flooding

A
  • exposing to phobic stimulus without gradual build up in an anxiety hierarchy
  • immediate exposure in a frightening situation
  • no avoidance behaviour so can work quickly
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7
Q

what are the ethical safeguards in flooding

A
  • clients must give fully informed consent as it is traumatic
  • must be fully prepared
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8
Q

what are the strengths of flooding

A

Cost - effective
- less sessions needed than SD
- more people can be treated at the same cost of SD

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9
Q

what are the limitations of flooding

A

Traumatic
- highly unpleasant experience
- more stressful than SD
- dropout rates are higher than SD

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