4.3.2 Flooding

• What is flooding in behavioural therapy used to treat phobias?

  Immediate and intense exposure
• The theoretical basis of flooding lies within classical conditioning, specifically the concept of extinction
• During a flooding session, the individual is exposed to the phobic situation until their anxiety increases.

  False
• Steps in the extinction process during flooding

  1️⃣ Immediate exposure to phobic stimulus

  2️⃣ Prolonged exposure until anxiety diminishes

  3️⃣ Absence of negative consequences

  4️⃣ Anxiety reduction over time
• What is a key advantage of flooding compared to systematic desensitisation in terms of time efficiency?

  Can be quicker
• Flooding is less emotionally challenging than systematic desensitisation.

  False
• Flooding aims to overwhelm and extinguish the fear
• Steps in the flooding procedure

  1️⃣ Initial assessment of phobia

  2️⃣ Preparation and explanation to the individual

  3️⃣ Flooding session with peak intensity exposure

  4️⃣ Prolonged exposure until anxiety decreases

  5️⃣ Follow-up monitoring and support
• What is the first step in the flooding procedure?

  Initial Assessment
• During the flooding session, the individual is exposed to the phobic stimulus at its peak intensity
• The final step in the flooding procedure is to monitor the individual's progress and provide support as needed.
• What might a flooding session involve for someone with a spider phobia?

  Being in a room with a spider
• The main advantages of flooding are its speed and cost-effectiveness
• Flooding is quicker than systematic desensitisation.
• What is the primary goal of flooding in treating phobias?

  Overwhelm and extinguish fear
• The theoretical basis of flooding lies within classical conditioning, specifically the concept of extinction
• Immediate exposure to the phobic stimulus is part of the extinction process in flooding.
• What is one key difference between flooding and systematic desensitisation in terms of speed?

  Flooding is quicker
• One major disadvantage of flooding is that it can be highly traumatic
• Flooding is suitable for individuals with health conditions affected by anxiety.

  False
• What is spontaneous recovery in the context of flooding?

  Phobia recurs after improvement
• In flooding, exposure to the phobic stimulus is immediate and intense