Transcript Systematic Desensitization

Classical Conditioning – Ch. 5
September 19, 2005
Class #12
Treating Phobias
Systematic Desensitization
 Flooding

Systematic Desensitization

Wolpe (1958)

Behavioral treatment for phobias pairing
relaxation with a succession of stimuli that
elicit increasing levels of fear



Attempted to counter-condition people suffering from
phobias
In counter-conditioning the stimulus is paired with a
new response which is incompatible with the old one
Wolpe basically utilizes an anxiety hierarchy to
gradually but systematically desensitize the
patient over several therapy sessions
Systematic Desensitization of a
Spider Phobia

Show a picture of a spider to the
patient


Toy spider that looks fake


HR goes up – but talk to them – get them to relax – eventually they are
okay
A real dead spider


HR goes up – but talk to them – get them to relax – eventually they are
okay
Toy spider that looks real


HR goes up – but talk to them – get them to relax – eventually they are
okay
HR goes up – but talk to them – get them to relax – eventually they are
okay
A live spider

HR goes up – but talk to them – get them to relax – eventually they are
okay
Systematic Desensitization

The idea here is that a relaxed state
cannot co-exist with a state of fear

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
Its one or the other…cannot be simultaneously
anxious and relaxed
Therefore, if you can repeatedly relax someone
(see spider example) when they are faced with
anxiety-producing stimuli – you will gradually
eliminate their anxiety
The trick is to proceed gradually
Okay, can you cure me now???

Shopping mall phobia…
Criticism of Systematic
Desensitization
Wolpe’s critics say there is no attempt to
achieve insight into the underlying cause
of the fear
 Wolpe says “so what”

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He’s not really concerned about what caused it
as long as its alleviated
Only concern is that the maladaptive behavior
is cured and that patients feel better about
themselves and begin acting in ways that will
bring them greater life satisfaction
Flooding

A behavioral treatment that involves
prolonged exposure to a feared stimulus
giving the maximal opportunity extinguish
the conditioned fear response

Much the opposite of desensitiztion
Imaginal Flooding

Use of visualization and fantasy

Also referred to as in vitro flooding
In Vivo Flooding

Actual full exposure to the phobia until
fear subsides
Can Flooding help those suffering
from social anxiety disorder???
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Turner, Beidel, and Jacob (1994)
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72 social phobia sufferers assigned to either
flooding, drug, or placebo condition
Three-month treatment
Assessment at six months
Results favored flooding technique although
not significant