Systematic Desensitisation Evaluation Flashcards

Systematic Desensitisation Overview

• Based on classical conditioning, a well-established psychological theory for treating phobias.

Supporting Theory: Gilroy et al. (2003)

• Study involved 42 arachnophobic patients undergoing three 45-minute systematic desensitisation sessions.
• Follow-up assessments at three months and 33 days post-treatment revealed less fear in the desensitisation group compared to the control group.

Supporting Theory: McGrath et al. (1990)

• 75% success rate in treating patients with phobias using in-vivo techniques within systematic desensitisation framework.

Strength: Ethical Considerations

• Gradual exposure reduces participant stress, making systematic desensitisation more ethical compared to flooding.

Strength: Informed Consent

• Patients have autonomy to dictate treatment direction, attend sessions voluntarily, and can withdraw at any time.

Weakness: Time Consumption

• Treatment typically requires 6-8 sessions, which may be considered too slow for individuals needing rapid fear reduction.

Weakness: Efficacy for Serious Mental Disorders

• Systematic desensitisation is ineffective in addressing serious mental health conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, and certain social phobias.

Weakness: Biological Perspectives

• Challenges from biological psychology, which posits that abnormal behavior is innate rather than learned, suggesting a need for medical treatment.

Weakness: Real-Life Application

• Gradual exposure in controlled settings may not translate effectively to uncontrolled real-life situations, such as unexpected encounters with feared stimuli.

Weakness: Limitations with Ancient Fears

• Ineffective for fears stemming from evolutionary threats (e.g., heights, caves). Martin Seligman (1970) suggests a genetic predisposition to associate certain stimuli with danger.

Weakness: Symptom Substitution

• Some researchers propose that a phobia may be a symptom of a deeper issue; eliminating one phobia may result in the emergence of another, highlighting potential inadequacies in treatment.