Behavioural Approach To Treating Phobias

Question 1

Describe what is meant by systematic desensitisation

Answer 1

A behavioural therapy which gradually reduces phobic anxiety via classical conditioning. Learning to relax in presence of phobic stimulus. (Counterconditioning)

Afraid + relaxed at same time (reciprocal inhibition)

Question 2

List the three processes involved in systematic desensitisation and examples

Answer 2

Anxiety hierarchy- list of situations from least anxiety to the most anxiety

Relaxation- teach patient to relax as much as possible may include breathing exercises.

Exposure- when in a relaxed state they are exposed to the phobic stimulus over several sessions

Question 3

Describe why systematic desensitisation is effective (AO3)

Answer 3

Gilroy: 42 patients who had been treated for a spider phobia in three 45min sessions of SD. Assessed phobia on a questionnaire.

Control group= treated with relaxation without exposure.

Both at 3 and 33 months after treatment. SD group less fearful than relaxation group

Question 4

Explain why SD is suitable for a wide range of patients (AO3)

Answer 4

Alternatives to SD (flooding and cognitive therapy) are not suitable for all patients.

Eg. Anxiety sufferers may also have learning difficulties which can make it hard for patients to engage and understand what is happening.

Question 6

Explain what is meant by flooding

Answer 6

Exposes patients to phobic stimulus without any buildup

Question 7

How does flooding work? Give an example.

Answer 7

Stops phobic response quickly as no option for avoidance in classical conditioning this is known as extinction.

Eg. Dog without being bitten shows the patient not to be anxious

Question 8

Describe the ethics surrounding flooding

Answer 8

Very unpleasant experience so it is important to get full informed consent.

Patient should be given option on SD or flooding

Question 9

Describe one strength of flooding (AO3)

Answer 9

Cost effective

Studies comparing flooding to cognitive therapies have found it is highly effective and quick

Patients free of symptoms quickly which makes treatment quicker and cheap

Question 10

Explain why flooding is less effective for some phobias (AO3)

Answer 10

Less effective for social phobias may be due to their cognitive factors.

Eg. Social phobia sufferer not simply experience an anxiety response but thinks unpleasant thoughts about social situations.