(AO1) State the two behavioural treatments for phobiasand their shared aim
Systematicdesensitisation [gradual approach] and flooding [immediate approach]
Aim = replace the phobia with a new response/behaviour - relaxation
(AO1) Define systematic desensitisation and its 5 examples [in relation to a therapist]
Uses counter-conditioning to unlearn the maladaptive response to a situation or object by eliciting another response - relaxation.
Form relationship with therapist
Make a hierarchy of fears
Work though list
Therapist might teach relaxation techniques e.g. breathing
Lead to relaxation = new association, was fear and now relaxation
(AO3) Explain a strength of systematic desensitisation
POINT: Research evidence shows effectiveness
EVIDENCE: McGrath et al (1990) found that 75% of patients with phobias were treated successfully using systematicdesensitisation. This was particularly true when using invivo techniques [came into directcontact with fear] rather invitro techniques [imagining it]
EVALUATE: Systematic desensitisation is effective when treating specific phobias.
(AO3) Explain another strength of systematic desensitisation
POINT: Research support
EVIDENCE: Study [conducted in 2002], examined 42 patients with arachnophobia (fear of spiders). Patients treated using 3 45 minute systematicdesensitisation sessions. Where then examined 3 and 33months later, were less fearful than a control group who were only taught relaxation techniques.
EVALUATE: Provides further support for systematic desensitisation as an effective treatment for phobias in the long-term.
(AO3) Explain a limitation of systematic desensitisation
POINT: Not effective for treating all phobias
EVIDENCE: Some psychologists believe that certain phobias have an evolutionarysurvivalbenefit and are not the result of learning.
EVALUATE: This highlights a limitation of systematic desensitisation, which is ineffective in treating evolutionaryphobias as they have an innate basis.
(AO1) Define flooding and give an example
Flooding is an intenseexposure to fear [bombarded with fear]
A person is unable to avoid [negatively reinforce] their phobia and through continuous exposure, the anxiety levels will decrease since people learn to associate the feared stimulus with relaxation [positive reinforcement]
(AO3) Explain a strength of flooding
POINT: Cost-effective and good time.
EVIDENCE: Research suggests that it is equally cost-effective as systematicdesensitisation and cognitiontherapies. It also takes much less time.
EVALUATE: Patients cure their phobia more quickly and is therefore more cost-effective for healthserviceproviders who do not have to fundlonger options.
(AO3) Explain a limitation of flooding
POINT: Can be highly traumatic - high anxiety levels
EVIDENCE: Research conducted in 1969 recalled a case with a patient who became so anxious that they required hospitalisation. In addition, in general, many do not complete their treatment due to the stress.
EVALUATE: Therefore, flooding treatments might be a waste of time and money if patients do notfullyengage in order to complete their treatment.
(AO3) Explain another limitation of flooding
POINT: Although the treatment is good for simple, specific phobias, it is less effective for other types e.g. socialphobia.
EVIDENCE: Some psychologists suggest that social phobia is caused by irrational thinking, not by classical conditioning.
EVALUATE: Therefore, more complex phobias cannot be treated by behavioural treatments, but maybe with CBT to treat the irrational thinking.