behavioural approach of treating phobias

• systematic desensitisation

  • gradually reduce using classical conditioning
  • counterconditioning = new response (relaxation over anxiety)
  • reciprocal inhibition
  • anxiety hierarchy, relaxation, exposure
• flooding

  • without build up = immediate exposure
  • longer but only 1 session
  • extinction = conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned stimulus
• SD is effective for a lot of people ✅

  • study showed it could reduce fear of species
  • suitable for people with anxiety or learning disorders
• flooding is less appropriate sometimes🚫

  • highly traumatic (time + money sometimes wasted due to drop out)
• SD is preferred by patients✅

  • less traumatic
  • low refusal + drop out rates
• flooding is cost-effective✅

  • patients are free of symptoms quicker
  • cheaper + less disruptive