The behavioural approach to treating phobias: systematic desensitisation, including relaxation and use of hierarchy
Systematic desensitisation treats phobias by gradually exposing a person to their fear. The therapist pairs each small step of exposure with a relaxation technique until the fear disappears.
Real World
Someone with a flying phobia might work through a hierarchy starting with looking at photos of planes, then visiting an airport, then sitting in a stationary aircraft, and finally taking a short flight — practising deep breathing at every stage.
Exam Focus
Name reciprocal inhibition and explain why relaxation and fear cannot coexist — this mechanistic detail earns AO1 marks.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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