4.3.1.3 Gradual Exposure

• What are the steps in gradual exposure for someone afraid of dogs?

  1. Look at pictures of dogs
  2. Watch videos of dogs
  3. Pet a small dog in a controlled setting
  4. Gradually increase exposure to dogs
• In treating spider phobia, what is the first step in gradual exposure?

  Starting with pictures of spiders
• How would you rank a situation in a fear hierarchy?

  From 1 (least anxiety-provoking) to 10 (most)
• What are the key differences between the various databases used (Google Scholar, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science)?

  • Each database has a different number of records retrieved (Google Scholar: 3,960, ProQuest: 1,095, PubMed: 71, Scopus: 202, Web of Science: 153)
  • The databases likely have different coverage, search algorithms, and inclusion criteria for the types of publications they index
  • Using multiple databases helps ensure a more comprehensive literature search
• What are the two types of exposure-based therapies for phobias mentioned?

  Gradual exposure and flooding
• What does flooding involve for someone with spider phobia?

  Direct contact with spiders
• How many databases were used to retrieve the total number of records?

  5
• What is the final step in gradual exposure therapy?

  Progress Review
• What are the steps involved in gradual exposure therapy?

  1. Assessment and Preparation

  • Understand patient's fears and readiness

  1. Creating a Fear Hierarchy

  • Rank fear-inducing situations

  1. Exposure Phases

  • Systematic exposure to hierarchy levels

  1. Relaxation Techniques

  • Use methods like deep breathing

  1. Progress Review

  • Evaluate progress and adjust plan
• How does the time frame of gradual exposure compare to flooding?

  Gradual exposure takes several sessions
• What was the total number of records retrieved from the 5 databases?

  5,481
• How does gradual exposure therapy help an 18-year-old with a phobia?

  It helps them confront and manage fears
• What is a fear hierarchy?

  A ranked list of fears from least to most scary
• What is gradual exposure therapy used for?

  To overcome phobias
• Why is gradual exposure beneficial?

  It helps reduce anxiety over time
• What are the key benefits of gradual exposure in treating phobias?

  • Reduces anxiety significantly
  • Increases confidence in managing fears
  • Provides long-lasting relief
• How does gradual exposure build confidence?

  By allowing small, manageable steps towards fear
• How does the fear hierarchy contribute to gradual exposure therapy?

  It organizes fears from least to most scary
• What does the flowchart about phobia treatments illustrate?

  • Systematic filtering of research articles
  • Meticulous nature of gradual exposure studies
  • Rapid nature of flooding studies
• How do gradual exposure and flooding differ in their approach?

  • Gradual exposure: Slow, hierarchical progression
  • Flooding: Immediate, intense exposure
• What is the purpose of relaxation techniques in gradual exposure therapy?

  To reduce anxiety during exposure
• Why is a fear hierarchy important in gradual exposure therapy?

  It helps tackle phobias step by step
• What happens during the Exposure Phases of gradual exposure therapy?

  Systematic exposure to each hierarchy level
• What might be the first step in creating a fear hierarchy?

  Identify all situations related to your phobia
• What do studies show about gradual exposure compared to control groups?

  It leads to a marked decrease in symptoms
• If someone is afraid of dogs, what might be the least scary situation in their fear hierarchy?

  Looking at dog pictures
• What were the steps taken to arrive at the final set of 18 records?

  • 5,204 records eliminated that were not related to treating phobia using ARET or VRET
  • 168 duplicated records eliminated
  • 49 records eliminated that did not propose a treatment
  • 42 records excluded for various reasons (not fully accessed, age < 18, focusing on medium not treating phobia, etc.)
  • Final set of 18 records after full-text screening
• What is the first step in gradual exposure therapy?

  Assessment and Preparation
• What does gradual exposure mean?

  Slowly facing fears little by little
• What did Ost's 1987 study find about gradual exposure?

  It was more effective than no treatment
• What type of evidence supports the effectiveness of gradual exposure?

  Empirical evidence
• What is the primary treatment method discussed for phobias?

  Gradual exposure
• What are the steps to create a fear hierarchy?

  1. Identify anxiety-provoking situations related to your phobia
  2. Rank these situations from 1 (least) to 10 (most)
  3. Describe each situation in detail
• What is the focus on relaxation during gradual exposure therapy?

  Relaxation is prioritized during exposure
• How does gradual exposure help in treating phobias?

  It exposes you to fears step by step
• What does the second step of gradual exposure therapy involve?

  Ranking fear-inducing situations