Systematic Desensitization

Systematic desensitization is primarily based on the principles of which psychological theory?

• Operant Conditioning

• Social learning theory

• Cognitive restructuring

• Classical Conditioning

Which of the following is a crucial component of systematic desensitization that helps clients manage anxiety during exposure?

• Flooding

• Thought stopping

• Aversion therapy

• Relaxation training

When a client imagines confronting their feared stimulus during systematic desensitization, what type of exposure is this called?

• Covert sensitization

• Response prevention

• In vivo exposure

• In vitro exposure

How does systematic desensitization help reduce phobic reactions?

• It creates a new, incompatible response to the feared stimulus, reducing anxiety.

• It increases the client's anxiety, making the therapy more effective.

• It allows the therapist to directly confront the client's irrational fears.

• It helps the client avoid the feared stimulus entirely.

Which of the following statements is true regarding systematic desensitization?

• It can be used to treat a wide range of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and OCD.

• It relies solely on the client's willpower to overcome their fear.

• It always requires the therapist to be physically present with the client during exposure.

• It can be a relatively slow process, requiring multiple sessions.

When should a client typically move to the next item on their anxiety hierarchy during systematic desensitization?

• When the client feels ready to move to the next item on the hierarchy.

• Only when the client reports no anxiety at all.

• When the therapist determines the client has spent enough time on the current item.

• After a fixed number of exposure sessions, regardless of client comfort.

What is a potential limitation of systematic desensitization as a standalone therapy for complex anxiety issues?

• It always requires the presence of the actual feared object or situation from the beginning.

• It can be less effective for individuals with very severe phobias.

• It may not address the underlying cognitive distortions contributing to the phobia.

• It has a high relapse rate after treatment completion.

What is the main role of relaxation techniques in systematic desensitization?

• To help the client remember details of their traumatic past.

• To replace the anxiety response with a relaxation response.

• To distract the client from their anxiety.

• To make the client fall asleep during exposure.