Psychology-Psychopathology: Flooding Flashcards

Flooding in Psychopathology

• Flooding is a behavioral therapy technique that exposes individuals immediately to anxiety-inducing stimuli, contrasting with gradual exposure methods.
• This approach aims to confront the phobia head-on, bypassing the slow desensitization process.

Mechanism of Anxiety Reduction

• Continuous exposure to the phobic stimulus prevents individuals from engaging in avoidance behaviors, which typically reinforce their anxiety.
• As the individual remains exposed to the anxiety source, their anxiety levels will eventually diminish.

Process of Extinction

• Removal of avoidant behavior leads to extinction; fear responses are not permanent and diminish over time when no avoidance occurs.
• Fear is considered a time-limited response, meaning that it will naturally subside after sustained exposure to the stimulus.

Outcomes of Extinction

• As extinction occurs, individuals may experience calmness and relief, fostering new positive associations with the previously feared stimulus.
• This transformation marks a significant shift from anxiety to a more relaxed interaction with the stimulus.

This quiz focuses on the concept of flooding in behavioral therapy, particularly its application in treating phobias. It highlights how flooding can help reduce anxiety by providing immediate exposure to anxiety-inducing stimuli. Test your understanding of this therapeutic technique in psychology.