Systematic Desensitisation

• Who perfected systematic desensitisation in the 1950s?

  Joseph Wolpe
• Systematic desensitisation is based on classical conditioning
• Steps in systematic desensitisation

  1️⃣ Counter-conditioning

  2️⃣ Graduated exposure

  3️⃣ Participant modeling (optional)
• What is the goal of counter-conditioning in systematic desensitisation?

  Associate fear with relaxation
• Graduated exposure involves introducing the feared object in stages from brief and remote encounters to longer, closer, and more immediate encounters.
• Participant modeling requires the patient to encounter the feared object themselves

  False
• What is the role of a role model in participant modeling?

  Demonstrate relaxation
• Counter-conditioning can involve pairing fear with pleasure or humor
• What technique did Larry Ventis use in counter-conditioning?

  Humor therapy
• In counter-conditioning, the old conditioned response of fear is replaced with a new conditioned response, such as laughter or relaxation
• Example steps in a stimulation hierarchy for arachnophobia

  1️⃣ Look at a picture of a spider

  2️⃣ See a spider in a jar

  3️⃣ Encounter a spider in a safe environment
• The stimulation hierarchy must be created by the therapist

  False
• Why is it important for the patient to create their own stimulation hierarchy?

  Reduces anxiety
• Ethical guidelines in systematic desensitisation emphasize respecting the patient's autonomy
• During systematic desensitisation, the patient must complete all steps of the stimulation hierarchy

  False
• What is biofeedback used for in systematic desensitisation?

  Measure anxiety
• Douglas Bernstein (1979) referred to the use of social learning in systematic desensitisation as participant modeling
• Covert modeling involves imagining someone else encountering the feared object
• What did Richard Sharf (2000) recommend for patients with severe phobias?

  Covert modeling
• What is one major advantage of systematic desensitisation?

  Measurable effectiveness
• Gilroy et al. (2003) found that patients treated with systematic desensitisation were less fearful of spiders after 3 months and again after 33 months
• Systematic desensitisation has long-lasting effects on reducing phobias
• Why might systematic desensitisation be considered unethical if not done properly?

  Distressing exposure
• One limitation of systematic desensitisation is that its benefits may not generalize to real life situations.
• Systematic desensitisation is equally effective for all types of phobias

  False
• For which types of phobias is systematic desensitisation less effective?

  Situations or concepts
• Virtual reality techniques in systematic desensitisation are used to replicate phobic situations that are difficult to set up in a therapy session.
• How does systematic desensitisation differ from flooding?

  Gradual vs immediate exposure
• Flooding is considered more ethical than systematic desensitisation

  False
• What is a potential drawback of both systematic desensitisation and flooding?

  Underlying problem remains
• Rothbaum et al. (1995) used virtual reality to treat a fear of driving over a high bridge.
• Virtual reality in systematic desensitisation helps replace fear with relaxation
• What is one advantage of using virtual reality in systematic desensitisation?

  Applies to more phobias
• Strength 1 (base)

  Systematic desensitisation is based on classical conditioning, which is a well-established psychological theory.
• Supporting theory: Gilroy et al. (2003)

  42 patients with arachnophobia (fear of spiders) who were given three 45 minute systematic desensitisation sessions. When they were examied three months and 33 days later, the systematic desensitisation group was less fearful than the control group.
• Supporting theory: McGrath Et Al (1990) study

  75% of patients with phobias were successfully treated using systematic desensititastion, when using vivo techiques.
• Strength 2 (Ethics)


  Systematic desensitisation is much more ethical than flooding as it involves gradual exposure to the object the patient fears. This means the treatment is far less stressful for a participant and should not cause damage.
• Strength 3 (consent)


  Can give valid consent because client can choose how their program is directed.

  They attend sessions out of free will and can choose to withdraw at any time.
• Weakness 1 (time)


  Systematic desensitization is a slow process, taking on average 6-8 sessions. This may be too slow for some who may need to overcome a fear quickly.
• Weakness 2 (mental disorders)

  SD is not effective in treating serious mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia or even social phobias.