Systematic Desensitisation- classical conditioning Learning Approach Systematic Desensitisation- classical conditioning

Systematic Desensitisation Treatment of Phobias Based on the principles of classical conditioning Aim to extinguish an undesirable behaviour Irrational fear (snake, spider) Substitutes fear with response of relaxation Reciprocal inhibition (you can’t have two emotions at the same time)

Treatment procedure Series of steps to achieve goal Patient forming a list of fears or anxieties and rates them high and low Hierarchy of fears Patient taught to relax at each level (starting at low) Progresses to next fear only after mastering the first Treatment is very successful with specific object phobias NOT with social phobias

Strengths and Weaknesses Most ethical treatment Based on clear theoretical explanation of behaviour Lots of evidence to support the success of this therapy Capafons (1998) reduced fear of flying There are other factors involved with phobias like operant conditioning It is good for phobia’s but not other mental health issues Patient must learn to relax and not everyone can do this Strengths Weaknesses

Assessment Create a poster using the information given on Phobia’s, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and Panic Attacks Define each disorder and outline the possible causes and treatment using what you have learned in Chapter 5 the Learning Approach