systematic desensitisation

• What is a key assumption of behaviorism as it applies to systematic desensitization (SD)?


  All behavior is learned through classical and operant conditioning.
• How are phobias learned according to behaviorist assumptions?


  Phobias are learned through classical conditioning.
• What example illustrates how Little Albert learned to fear a rat?


  He associated the rat with a loud, frightening noise.
• How is fear maintained in individuals with phobias?


  Fear is maintained through operant conditioning, as avoidance leads to relief.
• What does it mean that phobias can be "unlearned" or counter-conditioned?


  It means that the learned fear response can be replaced with a relaxation response.
• What is the main type of learning used in systematic desensitization (SD)?

  Classical conditioning.
• What is the goal of systematic desensitization in relation to phobic objects?


  The goal is to associate the phobic object with relaxation instead of anxiety.
• What principle does reciprocal inhibition refer to in the context of SD?


  It refers to the idea that two competing emotions cannot be felt at the same time.
• How does operant conditioning play a role in systematic desensitization?


  It provides positive reinforcement as the client learns to relax in the presence of the phobic object.
• What is the first step in systematic desensitization (SD)?


  To teach the patient a relaxation technique.
• What is a desensitization hierarchy?

  It is a ranking of fear-inducing situations from least to most fearful.
• How does a patient create a desensitization hierarchy?


  The patient describes situations that produce their phobic response and rates their anxiety levels.
• What might be at the bottom of a desensitization hierarchy for someone afraid of spiders?


  Imagining a spider in the corner of the room.
• What happens in step 3 of systematic desensitization?


  The patient gradually works up the fear desensitization hierarchy using relaxation techniques.
• What is the significance of reciprocal inhibition in the desensitization process?


  It allows the patient to not feel fear and relaxation simultaneously.
• What are the two types of systematic desensitization (SD)?


  In-vivo SD and in-vitro SD.
• What is in-vivo systematic desensitization?


  It involves facing real fear objects or situations.
• What is in-vitro systematic desensitization?


  It involves imagining fear situations rather than facing them.
• What does research suggest about the effectiveness of in-vivo versus in-vitro techniques?


  In-vivo techniques are generally more successful.
• How might in-vitro techniques be used in the desensitization process?


  They can be used for the first steps in the hierarchy.