Systematic desensitisation

• What does the behaviourist approach assume about normal behaviour?

  It is learned through conditioning.
• What is classical conditioning?

  Learning through association of stimuli.
• What is the assumption of operant conditioning?

  Behaviour is learned through reinforcement.
• How can a phobia develop according to the behaviourist approach?

  Through maladaptive faulty learning.
• How does avoidance behaviour reinforce a phobia?

  It leads to feelings of calm and happiness.
• What is the aim of systematic desensitisation?

  To break down faulty maladaptive learning.
• What is counter-conditioning in systematic desensitisation?

  Replacing fear with a more functional response.
• What role does operant conditioning play in systematic desensitisation?

  It reinforces relaxation as the client progresses.
• What are the three key steps of systematic desensitisation?

  1. Teach relaxation techniques.
  2. Construct an individual anxiety hierarchy.
  3. Combine relaxation techniques with the anxiety hierarchy.
• What is the purpose of relaxation techniques in systematic desensitisation?

  To establish a new stimulus-response link.
• What is reciprocal inhibition in the context of systematic desensitisation?

  Relaxation inhibits anxiety responses.
• What does the anxiety hierarchy consist of?

  A series of levels from least to most feared.
• What is in-vivo desensitisation?

  Confronting the phobic object in real life.
• What is in-vitro desensitisation?

  Imagining the phobic object or situation.
• When is systematic desensitisation considered complete?

  When the client reaches the top of the hierarchy.
• What is the evidence supporting the effectiveness of systematic desensitisation?

  93% agreed to take a trial flight after treatment.
• What does lower anxiety levels after SD indicate?

  Evidence that therapy is effective.
• Why might systematic desensitisation be ineffective for some phobias?

  Some phobias have evolutionary survival benefits.
• What ethical considerations are associated with systematic desensitisation?

  Valid consent is obtained from clients.
• How does systematic desensitisation ensure client comfort?

  Clients can withdraw at any point during therapy.
• How does systematic desensitisation compare ethically to other therapies?

  It promotes an equitable therapist-client relationship.
• What is the conclusion regarding the effectiveness of systematic desensitisation?

  It is effective for specific phobias with few side effects.
• What limitation does systematic desensitisation have regarding phobias?

  It may not address the root cause of phobias.