Systematic desenisition:

• STRENGTH:

  • evidence supporting its effectiveness
  • Gilroy et al 2003 followed up 42 people who had SD for spider phobia in three 45-minute sessions
  • At both three and 33 months, the SD group were less fearful than a control group treated by relaxation without exposure
  • Another researcher concluded that SD is effective for specific phobia, social phobia and agoraphobia

  This means that SD is likely to be helpful for people with phobias.
• STRENGTH:

  • used to help people with learning disabilities.
  • Some who require treatment of phobias also have learning disabilities.
  • The alternatives of SD such as flooding may not be suitable as they require complex rational thought in which those with learning difficulties may struggle with
  • As well, they may be confused and easily distressed with the traumatic experience of flooding

  SD is most appropriate treating those with learning difficulties