The Behavioural Approach To Treating Phobias

Question 1

What is systematic desensitisation?

Answer 1

A behavioural therapy involving gradual exposure to the phobic stimulus while practising relaxation.

This method is often used to help individuals overcome phobias.

Question 2

Define gradual exposure.

Answer 2

Step-by-step confrontation with the feared object/situation.

This technique gradually increases the exposure to the fear source.

Question 3

What is an anxiety hierarchy?

Answer 3

A ranked list of feared stimuli from least to most frightening.

This helps in organizing the exposure process.

Question 4

What techniques are included in relaxation?

Answer 4

Deep breathing, muscle relaxation, or mental imagery used to reduce anxiety.

These techniques are often employed during systematic desensitisation.

Question 5

What is counter-conditioning?

Answer 5

Replacing fear response with a relaxation response.

This is a key component of systematic desensitisation.

Question 6

What does reciprocal inhibition mean?

Answer 6

The idea that fear and relaxation cannot occur simultaneously.

This principle underlies the effectiveness of relaxation techniques.

Question 7

What is flooding in the context of therapy?

Answer 7

Immediate and intense exposure to the feared object/situation without gradual build-up.

This method is often used for severe phobias.

Question 8

Define fast exposure.

Answer 8

Rapid confrontation with the feared object to exhaust the fear response.

This technique is similar to flooding but focuses on speeding up the exposure process.

Question 9

What is extinction in behavioral therapy?

Answer 9

The disappearance of a conditioned fear when the feared object is experienced without negative consequences.

This process helps in reducing the phobic response over time.