Behavioural Treatments for Phobias

What is the purpose of an anxiety hierarchy in systematic desensitisation (SD)?

• To expose clients to their worst fears immediately

• To rank situations based on the level of anxiety they produce

• To provide a list of relaxation techniques

• To evaluate the effectiveness of flooding

What is the principle behind relaxation in systematic desensitisation?

• Anxiety and relaxation can occur simultaneously

• Relaxation is achieved through exposure to phobic stimuli

• Relaxation and anxiety cannot happen at the same time

• Relaxation is not necessary for systematic desensitisation

In systematic desensitisation, what is the role of exposure?

• To avoid phobic stimuli completely

• To expose clients to phobic stimuli while relaxed

• To increase anxiety levels gradually

• To eliminate the need for relaxation techniques

What is flooding in the context of phobia treatment?

• A gradual exposure to phobic stimuli

• A method that uses relaxation techniques

• Exposing clients to a very frightening situation without a build-up

• A technique that involves virtual reality

How does flooding work to treat phobias?

• By gradual exposure to phobic stimuli

• By using relaxation techniques

• By extinction of the conditioned fear response

• By avoiding phobic stimuli

What is a key ethical safeguard in flooding therapy?

• Clients must be exposed without consent

• Clients must give informed consent and be prepared

• Clients should not be informed about the process

• Clients must avoid all phobic stimuli

What is a noted advantage of systematic desensitisation over relaxation alone?

• It is less effective for a range of phobias

• It is more effective after 33 months

• It requires no exposure to phobic stimuli

• It is less effective than flooding

Why might systematic desensitisation be preferred for people with learning disabilities?

• It requires complex rational thought

• It is less traumatic than flooding

• It involves no exposure to phobic stimuli

• It is more stressful than flooding

What is a cost-effective aspect of flooding therapy?

• It requires multiple sessions

• It is clinically effective and not expensive

• It is more expensive than systematic desensitisation

• It requires no informed consent

What is a potential drawback of flooding therapy?

• It is less stressful than systematic desensitisation

• It has lower attrition rates

• It is rated as more stressful than systematic desensitisation

• It requires no ethical safeguards