Behavourial explanation of treatments to phobias

• What is the therapy called that involves Counter Conditioning for treating phobias?

  Systematic Desensitisation
• What are the steps involved in Systematic Desensitisation?

  1. Create an anxiety hierarchy
  2. Provide relaxation techniques
  3. Gradual exposure to the phobia
• What is the main characteristic of Flooding in treating phobias?

  Immediate exposure to phobic stimulus
• How does Flooding help in treating phobias?

  It allows extinction of phobia through classical conditioning
• What is important to gain before conducting Flooding therapy?

  Fully informed consent
• How long are the sessions for Flooding therapy?

  2-3 hours
• What research supports Systematic Desensitisation?

  • Gilroy et al: 42 people with spider phobia
  • Followed up 3 and 33 months later
  • Less fearful than control group treated with relaxation only
• What did Wechsler et al conclude about Systematic Desensitisation?

  It is effective for specific phobias
• What did Schumacher et al find regarding Flooding therapy?

  • Rated significantly more stressful than Systematic Desensitisation
  • High dropout/attrition rates