Desensitization procedures in the treatment of childhood disorders.

Defined 2 basic classifications of desensitization procedures based on historical methods of treating children's fears—passive association and active participation. The desensitization literature involving clients under age 16 is critically reviewed in terms of these categories. Desensitization is defined as the pairing of either graduated imagined or graduated external stimuli with either relaxation or other responses competitive with anxiety. Desensitization procedures on a vicarious level are also discussed. Clear evidence for the effectiveness of any variant of desensitization with children is limited, since most studies are considered to have offered little improvement over the case study level of investigation. It is speculated that the 2 types of desensitization are not distinct ways of overcoming fear but may be construed as 2 processes on one continuum of gradual exposure to aversive stimuli. Several hypotheses concerning the choice of desensitization methods are discussed. (66 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)