Treatments for Phobias Based on Theories of Learning - SD Flashcards
What is systematic desensitisation (SD)?
A type of behavioural therapy based on the principles of classical conditioning
What does SD aim to do?
Aims to remove the fear response to a phobia and substitute a relaxation response to the conditioned stimulus gradually using counter conditioning
What is the 1st step of SD?
The patient is taught relaxation techniques
Very important because of reciprocal inhibition where the fear response is inhibited because it is incompatible with relaxation
What is the 2nd step of SD?
Patient creates a fear hierarchy
Start with the situation that creates the least fear and build up in stages to the most fear-provoking situation
Exposure to fear can be done two ways
- in vitro - involves imagining the fear
- in vivo - involves patient being exposed to fear in reality
What is the 3rd step of SD?
Patient works their way up the fear hierarchy starting with the least unpleasant and practising their relaxation technique at each stage
If they feel anxious at any point, they can return to an earlier point on the hierarchy
What is the supporting evidence/strengths of SD?
Capafons et al (1998)
Rothbaum et al (1995)
Social control
What are the weaknesses of SD?
Limitations
Not equally effective with all phobias
Doesn’t address underlying issues
Why is Capafons supporting evidence for SD?
Used SD to treat individuals with aviophobia
After 12 weeks they found lower levels of fear in participants measured using heart rate and self report showing the effectiveness of this treatment
Why is Rothbaum supporting evidence of SD?
Developed a virtual reality helmet as an alternative to in vivo exposure for those situations or objects which cannot be easily brought to the clinic
makes SD more accessible regardless of the nature of the phobia
Why is social control a strength of SD?
The patient is in control of the rate of exposure to unpleasant stimuli meaning that the therapy is more likely to be successful
Therapist doesn’t impose power over the patient to make them comply with the therapy
Why is limitations a weakness of SD?
Limitations may exist with in vitro exposure which relies on patients ability to imagine the fear
Some people cannot create a vivid image or may not wish to and SD may therefore have limited effectiveness
Why is effectiveness a weakness of SD?
SD appears more effective with simple or specific phobias rather than complex phobias
Likely because the fear of a simple phobia is easier to show the patient whereas it isn’t with a complex phobia such as claustrophobia.
Why is underlying issues a weakness of SD?
Doesn’t address underlying issues behind the phobia such as where it originated, it only deals with removing the symptoms of anxiety
If the underlying issue lies in childhood trauma, this will still be there and will continue to cause problems even if the phobia is temporarily eased
