SD is a behavioural theory designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through the principle of classical conditioning. If a person can learn to relax in the presence of the phobic stimulant they will be cured. A new a new response to the phobic stimulus is learned (its paired with relaxation rather than anxiety). Learning a different response is called counterconditioning.
1/3 Processes of SD
The anxiety hierarchy is put together by a client with a phobia and therapist.
This is a list of situations related to the phobic stimulus that provoke anxiety arranged in order from least to most frightening.
Eg. arachnophobia • small Spider → tarantula.
2/3 Processes of SD
Relaxation: The therapist teaches the client to relax as deeply as possible. Its impossible to be afraid and relaxed at the same time, so one emotional prevents the other - reciprocal inhibition. The relaxation may involve breathing exercises or the client might learn mental imagery techniques. Clients can be taught to imagine themselves in relaxing situations or they might learn meditation. It can also be achieved through drugs such as Valium.
3/3 Processes of SD
Exposure: The client is exposed to the phobic stimulus while in a relaxed state. This takes place over several sessions, starting at the bottom of the anxiety hierarchy. When the client can stay in a relaxed state in the presence of the lower levels of the phobic stimulus they move up the hierarchy. Treatment is successful when the client can stay relaxed in situations high on the anxiety hierarchy.
