Treating Phobias

    Cards (9)

    • (AO1) State the two behavioural treatments for phobiasand their shared aim
      Systematic desensitisation [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.
      1. Form relationship with therapist
      2. Make a hierarchy of fears
      3. Work though list
      4. Therapist might teach relaxation techniques e.g. breathing
      5. 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 systematic desensitisation. This was particularly true when using in vivo techniques [came into direct contact with fear] rather in vitro 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 systematic desensitisation sessions. Where then examined 3 and 33 months 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 evolutionary survival benefit and are not the result of learning.
      EVALUATE: This highlights a limitation of systematic desensitisation, which is ineffective in treating evolutionary phobias as they have an innate basis.
    • (AO1) Define flooding and give an example
      Flooding is an intense exposure 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 systematic desensitisation and cognition therapies. It also takes much less time.

      EVALUATE: Patients cure their phobia more quickly and is therefore more cost-effective for health service providers who do not have to fund longer 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 not fully engage 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. social phobia.

      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.
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