Therapy: Aversion therapy

• What is the main assumption of the behaviourist approach?

  Normal behaviour is learned through conditioning
• How does classical conditioning work?

  It associates an unconditioned stimulus with a neutral stimulus
• What does operant conditioning assume?

  Behaviour is learned through reinforcement
• What causes abnormal behaviour according to the behaviourist approach?

  Maladaptive faulty learning processes
• How might a person with a phobia respond to a feared stimulus?

  They may actively avoid the phobic object
• 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
• How does the anxiety hierarchy function in systematic desensitisation?

  It helps clients gradually face their fears
• What is the final step in systematic desensitisation?

  Combining relaxation techniques with the anxiety hierarchy
• When is systematic desensitisation considered complete?

  When the client reaches the top of the hierarchy
• What does successful systematic desensitisation achieve?

  Unlearning the maladaptive response of fear
• What did Rothbaum et al. (2000) research about systematic desensitisation?

  Its effectiveness for treating phobia of flying
• What were the results of Rothbaum's study on systematic desensitisation?

  93% agreed to take a trial flight
• What does lower anxiety levels in SD participants indicate?

  Evidence that therapy is effective
• What is a limitation of systematic desensitisation regarding its effectiveness?

  It may not work for all types of phobias
• Why might some phobias not be effectively treated by SD?

  They may have evolutionary survival benefits
• What ethical consideration is important in systematic desensitisation?

  Valid consent must be obtained from clients
• How does SD ensure clients feel in control?

  Clients dictate the pace of the therapy
• What is a key ethical advantage of SD over other therapies?

  It fosters an equitable therapist-client relationship
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of systematic desensitisation?

  Strengths:

  • Effective for specific phobias
  • Ethical therapy with valid consent
  • Clients feel in control

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Not effective for all phobias
  • May not address root causes
  • Limited long-term success
• What is the conclusion regarding systematic desensitisation's effectiveness?

  It is effective but not universally applicable