Flooding vs Graduated exposure and systematic desensitisation

[Oliver_123]

Which is more effective in treating a phobia, ive been told that when correctly used flooding is actually the most effective method but ive done practice exams that say its systematic d?

[Felicity Wishes]

I always say systematic desensitisation because it involves the relaxation technique and the gradual exposure and it a lot more friendly than flooding. Flooding is so harsh >_< which is why I see it as less effective because it can be damaging and it is limited in who can use it.

[katykins]

I got taught that systematic desentistaion is the most effcetive, because although flooding works, it's not a method for long time use. the individual will always experience their fear to some extent, even on a low scale. There is always that niggling phobia expressed when witnessing a fearful stimulus. Because it has not been eradicated over time. Whereas systematic desentistaion works on the premise that a realxing thought or technique is associated with the phobic stimulus over a period of time. Hence, it is more beneficial in the long run.

this is kinda what i have been told by the lecturer at the lecture i went to for unit 4. And my kinda take on it haha

[Limista]

Pretty much same as above...

Systematic desensitisation as it does have a relaxation component to help combat anxiety, whereas flooding doesn't (however individual can use own relaxation techniques). Flooding is also a confronting technique, as it induces high levels of fear and anxiety in the client, whereas systematic desensitisation involves minismising this fear and anxiety. Flooding is also only appropriate in some situations (because it is a very confronting technique) and requires careful supervision.

[Felicity Wishes]

Whereas systematic desentistaion works on the premise that a realxing thought or technique is associated with the phobic stimulus over a period of time. Hence, it is more beneficial in the long run.

I've never thought of it like that! Thanks! (Totes using that point in the exam if comes up  ) Thanks!

[honey-corowa]

Flooding is the quickest method but also the most susceptible to extinction, making systematic desensitisation the best method! Flooding also has a lot of ethical issues.