treating phobias- FLOODING

Question 1

what are the 6 AO1 points you must know for treating phobias with flooding?

Answer 1

-Definition of Flooding
-No Gradual Build-Up
-Works via Extinction (Classical Conditioning)
-Prevention of Avoidance (Operant Conditioning)
-Ethical Considerations and Informed Consent
-Sessions and Effectiveness

Question 2

What is flooding in the treatment of phobias?

Answer 2

A behavioural therapy where the patient is immediately and intensely exposed to the phobic stimulus, preventing avoidance.

Question 3

How is flooding different from systematic desensitisation?

Answer 3

Flooding does not use a fear hierarchy. Exposure is immediate and full, rather than gradual.

Question 4

How does flooding work through classical conditioning?

Answer 4

It creates extinction — the conditioned stimulus (e.g. spider) is presented without the feared outcome, so the fear response fades.

Question 5

How does flooding work through operant conditioning?

Answer 5

It prevents negative reinforcement by stopping avoidance, so the person learns that the stimulus is not harmful.

Question 6

What ethical issues are involved in flooding?

Answer 6

It can cause severe distress, so informed consent and full awareness of what to expect are essential.

Question 7

Why is flooding considered cost-effective?

Answer 7

It is often faster and cheaper than other therapies (e.g. systematic desensitisation), though it may not suit everyone.