The behavioural approach to treating phobias -A-Level Psychology
Systematic desensitisation
This is a behavioural therapy designed to gradually reduce phobic anxiety through classical conditioning.Counterconditioning occurs and this the learning of a different response to the stimulus e.g relaxation instead of anxiety.Reciprocal inhibition is when you can’t feel two emotions at once so anxiety and relaxation can’t be felt at the same time.
1)The anxiety hierarchy
-This is put together by the patient and therapist.This is a list of situations related to the phobic stimulus in order from least to most frightening.
2)Relaxation
-The patient is taught relaxation through breathing techniques,meditation or mental imagery techniques.
3)Exposure
-The patient follows the anxiety hierarchy over multiple sessions until the patient can stay relaxed in high anxiety situations(as the hierarchy increases)
Flooding
This involves immediate exposure to a very frightening situation regarding the phobic stimulus.They last for two or three hours but require less sessions .
Flooding works because without the option of avoidance behaviour,the patient can understand that the phobic stimulus is harmless.
Flooding has ethical issues due to the unpleasant experience so patients must provide fully informed consent and should be prepared before the flooding session.
Evaluation:
Systematic desensitisation
-it is suitable for patients with learning difficulties
-patients prefer it as it does not cause the same degree of trauma as flooding-has low refusal and attrition rates
– it can be self administered so is cheaper
-Gilroy et al followed up 42 patients who had been treated for spider phobia.This phobia was assessed on several measures like the spider questionnaire and assessing response to a spider.A control group was treated by relaxation without exposure.At 3 and 33 months after treatment the systematic desensitisation group were less fearful than the control group.This shows that the treatment has long-lasting effects.
Flooding
-it isn’t suitable for patients with social phobias as they have cognitive aspects such as irrational thinking.
-time and money can be wasted when patients refuse to finish flooding due to the high trauma.
-cost effective
Symptom substitution may occur and this is when the phobia is replaced with another.
The behavioral approach to treating phobias is a type of therapy that focuses on changing a person’s behavior by teaching them new ways to react to the things that trigger their phobia.
The behavioral approach to treating phobias works by gradually exposing the person to the thing that triggers their phobia, in a safe and controlled way. This helps them learn to manage their fear and anxiety, and eventually overcome their phobia.
Exposure therapy, systematic desensitization, and flooding are all common behavioral techniques used in treating phobias. These techniques involve exposing the person to the thing that triggers their phobia in a controlled environment, so they can learn to manage their fear and anxiety.
Yes, the behavioral approach is a highly effective way of treating phobias. Research has shown that it can be as effective as other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Yes, the behavioral approach can be used to treat all types of phobias, from specific phobias such as fear of spiders, to more complex phobias such as social phobia.
No, there are other ways to treat phobias, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and psychotherapy. The best approach will depend on the individual and the nature of their phobia.
The length of treatment will vary depending on the individual and the severity of their phobia. Generally, treatment can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.
While the behavioral approach is generally safe, there is a risk of triggering intense fear and anxiety in some individuals. It is important that treatment is carried out by a qualified and experienced therapist, who can monitor the individual’s progress and adjust treatment as needed.
It depends on the individual’s insurance policy. Some policies may cover behavioral therapy for phobias, while others may not. It is best to check with your insurance provider to find out what is covered.
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