he Behavioural Approach to Treating Phobias

Question 1

What is Systematic Desensitisation (SD)?

Answer 1

A treatment based on classical conditioning where phobic responses are gradually replaced with relaxation through counterconditioning.

Question 2

What is the anxiety hierarchy in SD?

Answer 2

A ranked list of fearful situations built by the client and therapist, from least to most fear-inducing.

Question 3

What role do relaxation techniques play in SD?

Answer 3

They help patients remain calm during gradual exposure to feared stimuli (e.g., breathing, meditation).

Question 4

What is flooding in phobia treatment?

Answer 4

A therapy involving immediate and intense exposure to the most feared stimulus without a gradual buildup.

Question 5

How does flooding work?

Answer 5

It prevents avoidance behavior, leading to extinction of fear. Patients must give informed consent due to its intensity.

Question 6

Strength: Is SD an effective treatment for phobias?

Answer 6

Evidence: Gilroy et al. (2003) – SD group had lower fear levels than control.

Supports SD’s effectiveness in reducing symptoms.

Question 7

Strength: Is flooding a cost-effective treatment?

Answer 7

Evidence: Can be effective in a few long sessions.

Faster and more efficient than SD or CBT.

Question 8

Limitation: What makes flooding controversial or unsuitable for some?

Answer 8

Evidence: Schumacher et al. (2015) – more stressful than SD.

May cause dropout or worsen symptoms.

Question 9

Limitation: What is symptom substitution in behavioural therapy?

Answer 9

Evidence: One phobia may be replaced by another.

Indicates underlying issues aren’t resolved.