capafons - contemporary study

Question 1

aim

Answer 1

to see the validation of systematic desensitisation when applied to the feat of flying (is it effective?)

Question 2

sample

Answer 2

• 41 people with the fear of flying, 20 were randomly assigned to the treatment group and 21 were assigned to the control group
• the two groups were balanced in germs of sex, age and (self reported) fear level as well as some psychophysiological measures
• recruited via a media campaign advertising free intervention programmed to treat the fear of flying
• treatment group: 8 males, 12 females (mean age 29.65)
• waiting control group: 9 males and 12 females (mean age 34.05)

Question 3

dependant variables

Answer 3

• IDG-FV was answered to diagnose fear of flying, e.g. ‘how afraid of flying would you say you were?’
• two questionnaires: EMV scale and EPAV scale

Question 4

physiological measures

Answer 4

recording of heart rate, temperature,etc, taken before and after flight

Question 5

initial testing

Answer 5

• all ppts were interviewed individually (completed the IDG-FV and given the EMV and EPAV)
• a habituation session was had
• physiological responses recorded

Question 6

experimental group

Answer 6

• 20 patients
• 2x 1 hour sessions a week
• 12-15 sessions had based on the severity
• temp of room was 22.5, all ppts 1.8m from tv
• psychophysiological responses measures for a period of 3 minutes
• watched video and told to feel as involved as possible

Question 7

control group

Answer 7

received no treatment

Question 8

results

Answer 8

• there were no significant differences between the control and treatment group prior to treatment
• there were several reductions in fear for the treatment group
• fear during the flight after for the treatment group: 13.3
  fear during flight before for the treatment group: 25.6