Behavioural Approach To Treating Phobias - Systematic Desensitisation And Flooding

Question 1

What is the aim of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 1

To use c.c to unlearn a maladaptive behavioural response to a phobic stimulus

Question 2

What are the 4 steps of systematic densensitisation?

Answer 2

Relaxation
Hierachy of anxiety
Gradual exposure
Complete treatment

Question 3

Describe the steps relaxation and hierachy of anxiety

Answer 3

• patient is taught how to relax using muscle/breathing relaxation techniques
• patient works with therapist to make a hierachy of anxiety which is a scale that starts with situations that scares them from least to most
• e.g. indv with phobia of wasps will have pic of wasp lowest on scale and being in same room as wasp would be highest

Question 4

Describe the steps gradual exposure and complete treatment

Answer 4

• client is gradually exposed to least feared situation at bottom of hierachy
• if they feel anxious, relaxation techniques should be put into practice
• this is reciprocal inhibition, the concept that two incompatible states of mind cannot co-exist at the same time e.g. anx and relaxation
• they can only move onto next stage of hierachy when theyre relaxed, this is a gradual process
• patient completes treatment when they are densensitised and can move thru hierachy without anx

Question 5

What are the three AO3 PEELS to evaluate systematic densensitisation as a behavioural approach to treating phobias?

Answer 5

RTS - phobia spider
Weakness - requires motivation and commitment
Strength - more appropriate as indv has high control

Question 6

What is the aim of flooding?

Answer 6

To use c.c to unlearn a maldaptive behavioural response to a phobic stimulus

Question 7

What happens during flooding? (3)

Answer 7

• patient is immediately exposed to most feared stimulus
• they will experience high levels of anx and panic as theyre unable to avoid phobic stimulus
• must remain exposed for 2-3 hours until patients anx levels decrease and theyre relaxed
• this is called extinction where patient learns phobic stimulus is harmless

Question 8

What are the two AO3 PEELS to evaluate flooding as a behavioural treatment of phobias?

Answer 8

Strength - more cost effective
Weakness - ethical issues