behavioural approach: treating phobias

• key terms

  • Systematic desensitisation (SD): Gradual exposure therapy using relaxation and an anxiety hierarchy.
  • Flooding: Immediate and intense exposure to phobic stimulus to reduce anxiety quickly.
• Systematic desensitisation (SD)

  • Principles: Based on classical conditioning and counterconditioning.
  • Anxiety hierarchy: Built from least to most fearful situations.
  • Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, imagery, etc.
  • Exposure: Gradual exposure while relaxed; move up hierarchy when relaxed at each stage.
• flooding

  • Definition: Immediate exposure to the phobic stimulus without gradual build-up.
  • Goal: Prevent avoidance, causing extinction of fear response.
  • Mechanism: Exhaustion of fear response due to continuous exposure.
  • Ethics: Informed consent essential; can be traumatic.
• evaluation of SD

  • ✅ Effective: Research (e.g. Gilroy et al.) shows SD reduces anxiety long-term.
  • ✅ Good for learning disabilities: More appropriate than cognitive therapies.
  • ✅ VR version available: May reduce risks and cost.
  • ❌ Slow: Takes time and commitment.
• evaluation of flooding

  • ✅ Cost-effective: Often works in a single session.
  • ❌ Traumatic: May cause high stress and refusal to continue.
  • ❌ Symptom substitution: May treat symptoms but not underlying issues.