Systematic desensitisation

Question 1

What is systematic desensitisation? (2 points)

Answer 1

Based on classical conditioning - aims to teach the patient to associate relaxation with the feared object

Uses reciprocal inhibition - that a person can’t be both relaxed and anxious at the same time

Question 2

What are the 4 steps of systematic desensitisation?

Answer 2

1. Functional analysis – the patient and therapist will sit down and discuss the nature of the phobia e.g. triggers
2. The patient is given relaxation training through drugs, hypnosis and muscle control, breathing techniques, meditation
3. Patient and therapist create a hierarchy of fears from least to most fearful situation
4. Patient works through the stages of the hierarchy, replacing anxiety with relaxation techniques at each stage

Question 3

What is the strength of systematic desensitisation as a treatment for phobias? (3 points)

Answer 3

Supported by Capafons et al (1998)

Used SD to effectively treat patients with a phobia of flying

Didn’t work on every individual - further research is required

Question 4

How credible is systematic desensitisation as a treatment for phobias? (2 points)

Answer 4

Can lack ecological validity if virtual reality or hypnosis is used for the patient to ‘imagine’ the feared situation

In-vivo exposure therapy is typically more effective than in-vitro therapy (Wolitzky-Taylor et al., 2008)

Question 5

Are there any other explanations for systematic desensitisation as a treatment for phobias? (3 points)

Answer 5

People with social phobia not only experience an anxiety response but they have unpleasant thoughts about the situation

A cognitive approach to therapy to tackle irrational thinking may be more appropriate

Toozandehjani found that the effects of SD did not last more than 3 months when used for social phobia

Question 6

Is there any room for debate on systematic desensitisation as a treatment for phobias? (2 points)

Answer 6

Relies on the patient being motivated to engage in the therapy - isn’t always the case for some patients

Process of creating an anxiety hierarchy requires effort and motivation