SD strengths and weaknesses

• What does SD stand for in the context of therapy for phobias?


  Systematic Desensitization
• What evidence supports the effectiveness of SD for phobias?


  Research shows that SD is effective for phobias learned through conditioning.
• What did Capafóns et al (1998) find regarding participants with a fear of flying?


  They showed less physiological signs of fear after SD treatment.
• How did Paul (1966) contribute to the evidence for SD's effectiveness?


  He found that clients with SD showed greater improvements than those with other treatments.
• Why might SD not be appropriate for all phobias?


  Some phobias may not be learned and require different treatment approaches.
• What alternative treatment might be more effective for a phobia stemming from poor social skills?


  Teaching new social skills would be more effective.
• What does Seligman suggest about our fears and genetic preparedness?


  We are genetically predisposed to learn fears of certain stimuli quickly.
• How does the evolutionary perspective explain common phobias?


  Common phobias are often related to stimuli that posed dangers to our ancestors.
• What implication does Seligman's theory have for the effectiveness of SD?


  It suggests that SD may not be effective for phobias that are innate rather than learned.
• How does the psychodynamic approach view phobias?


  Phobias are seen as symptoms of unconscious thoughts and memories.
• What is the concern with SD only treating symptoms of phobias?


  It may lead to symptom substitution, where new symptoms develop.
• What case study did Freud refer to in discussing the underlying causes of phobias?


  Little Hans, who had a phobia of horses.
• What was suggested to be the real cause of Little Hans' phobia?


  His feelings of hatred, envy, and fear towards his father.
• What does the psychodynamic approach imply about the effectiveness of SD?


  SD may not be effective as it does not address the underlying causes of phobias.