Treating Phobias Flashcards
What does systematic desensitisation aim to do?
(Systematic desensitisation)
Extinguish an undesirable behaviour fear by replacing it with a more desirable one, such as relaxation.
How does systematic desensitisation work?
(Systematic desensitisation)
Reciprocal inhibition - we cannot feel fear and relaxation at the same time.
Outline the process of systematic desensitisation.
(Systematic desensitisation)
1.) Identifying the phobia.
2.) Teaching the client relaxation techniques.
E.g. mediation or progressive muscle relaxation.
3.) Helping the client to create a ‘hierarchy of fear’ from the least frightening to most frightening aspects of the phobia.
E.g. dog: teeth, fur, paw etc.
4.) Using the relaxation techniques in the presence of the feared object from the ‘hierarchy of fear’.
What is reciprocal inhibition?
(Systematic desensitisation)
The process of inhibiting anxiety by substituting a competing response.
E.g. replacing anxiety with relaxation.
How long does it take to advance through the systematic desensitisation hierarchy?
(Systematic desensitisation)
About a month.
What does invivo mean?
(Systematic desensitisation)
Learning in real life.
E.g. experiencing a dog.
What does invito mean?
(Systematic desensitisation)
Invito: Learning virtually.
E.g. from a clinic with a therapist.
Outline 2 strengths of SD.
(Evaluation of Systematic Desensitisation)
One of the first techniques within behaviour therapy to be developed.
The client has some control over the therapy and that in itself could be helpful.
Outline Denholtz, Hall, and Mann’s study from 1978.
(Supports systematic desensitisation as a treatment of phobias)
(Evaluation of Systematic Desensitisation)
Supports systematic desensitisation as a treatment of phobias.
This is because they found that 60% of clients who were treated for flying phobias continued to fly during the 3.5 year follow-up period.
This suggests that the systematic desensitisation process is long-term.
Outline 2 limitations of SD.
(Evaluation of Systematic Desensitisation)
It works better for some phobias than others.
Social phobias and agoraphobia do not seem to show as much improvement suggesting that there may be other causes for phobias - other than classical conditioning.
It has been especially designed to reduce anxiety - thus is only of relevance to anxiety disorders.
Most evidence indicates that exposure therapy tends to be more effective than systematic desensitisation in the treatment of phobias.
There is a lack of clarity about the precise reasons why systematic desensitisation is effective.
Outline 2 pieces of evidence that supports and challenges SD.
(Evaluation of Systematic Desensitisation)
It is effective in reducing the phobic behaviour, but it not always the same as a cure.
Some phobias initially improve but worsen again after a few months.
It takes a variable number of sessions; the average is 6-8 but can be more for stronger phobias.
Puts demands on the expertise of the therapist: if the therapist cannot identify the reasons for the client’s anxiety, the potential success of systematic desensitisation is reduced. anxiety, then the success of systematic desensitisation are reduced.
What is flooding also called?
(Flooding)
Implosion.
What is flooding?
(Flooding)
Patients go straight to the top of the fear hierarchy and imagine or have direct contact with, their most feared scenarios.
How is flooding meant to work?
(Flooding)
The idea is that patients cannot make their usual avoidance responses and anxiety peaks at such high levels it cannot be maintained and eventually subsides.
Outline Wolpe’s study from 1960.
(Supports flooding as a treatment for phobias)
(Evaluation of Flooding)
Supports flooding as a treatment for phobias.
This is because they used flooding to remove a girls phobia of being in cars.
The girl was forced into a car, and driven around for 4 hours until her hysteria was eradicated.
This suggests that the treatment is effective.
