| Abstract: | Conducted a 2 * 3 factorial study to assess the theory and efficacy of systematic desensitization and to identify the factors responsible for its effects. 54 female undergraduate aquaphobics received 1 of 6 treatment conditions administered individually by trained psychologists and psychological assistants: (a) systematic desensitization with/without repeated exposure, (b) predesensitization with/without repeated exposure, and (c) no office treatment with/without repeated exposure. Results reveal considerable subjective and behavioral improvement associated primarily with the repeated exposure treatment, which consisted of sessions of graded exposure to real water situations. Reduction of anxiety to the imagined stimuli in systematic desensitization showed little transfer to the real situations in the absence of exposure, suggesting that actual exposure may be a primary therapeutic factor in the desensitization treatment of fear. A follow-up evaluation revealed the durability of the aquaphobic improvements, and evidence of beneficial side effects which appeared primarily attributable to training in self-relaxation. (38 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
