Systematic desensitisation vs graduated exposure

[sandi]

Until now i always thought that it was the same thing but apparently in graduated exposure there is no asscoiation of a relaxed response?? so if this is the case then what actually happens in graduated exposure?

[Felicity Wishes]

Yes. They are different. Graduated exposure involves the fear hierarchy and the gradual exposure to approximations of the CS until the CR is extinguished.. but just without a relaxation technique.

[uprising]

Systematic desensitisation aims to replace an anxiety response with a relaxation response when a person with a specific phobia confronts a phobic stimulus 

Involves unlearning connection between anxiety & phobic stimulus
Involves reassociating the phobic stimulus with feelings of relaxation & safety
The client gradually (systematically) becomes desensitised to anxiety caused by the phobic stimulus
Systematic desensitisation continues until the person is able to master the most anxiety-producing situation in a relaxed state

STEP 1:  Teach client relaxation technique
E.g. Progressive muscle relaxation, visual imagery, slow breathing

STEP 2:  Break phobic stimulus into fear hierarchy
Fear hierarchy– a list of feared objects or situations, ranked from least to most anxiety-producing (10 – 15 situations/objects)
Each situation/object is given a rating out of 100

STEP 3:  Graduated exposure
Either in vivo (real life), visual imagery or virtual reality
Person is encouraged to relax- they are not advanced to the next step until relaxation is achieved.

Hope this summary helps

[aaackk]

haha the exam was long gone wooo!