Client-therapist relationship factor in systematic desensitization.

40 snake-phobic females were matched on degree of behavioral avoidance and subjective fear, and then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: (1) a conventional desensitization group, using standard interpersonal procedures; (2) a semiautomated desensitization group in which treatment was delivered by tape recordings; (3) a pseudodesensitization control group; or (4) a no-treatment control group. Ss in both desensitization groups showed significantly greater improvement than did Ss in either of the 2 control groups. No differences were found between conventional and semiautomated procedures. It is concluded that the relationship is neither a primary nor critical factor in desensitization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)