StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Systematic Desensitization - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
Systematic desensitization is a technique that was developed by Joseph Wolpe, a pioneer of behavioral therapy, to treat anxiety related disorders and phobias. The technique is based on the principles of classical conditioning and the fact that what has been learned can be…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER93.7% of users find it useful
Systematic Desensitization
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Systematic Desensitization"

Systematic Desensitization Introduction Systematic desensitization is a technique that wasdeveloped by Joseph Wolpe, a pioneer of behavioral therapy, to treat anxiety related disorders and phobias. The technique is based on the principles of classical conditioning and the fact that what has been learned can be unlearned (unconditioned) (Sheryl, 2009). It has been found out by ample research that this technique helps effectively to reduce anxiety and panic attacks related to fearful situations.

Systematic desensitization technique usually starts with one imagining himself/herself in the progressive fearful situation. They then use relaxation strategies to compete with anxiety. Once it becomes successful that they can manage their anxiety by imagining fearful events, the technique can then be used in real life situation. The process of this technique normally has one major goal which is to become gradually desensitized to the triggers causing them distress (Alex & Adam, 2013). Patients need to be taken through a practice of some relaxation techniques before they can begin gradually exposing themselves to their feared situations.

Some of such relaxation techniques that the patients need to familiarize themselves with before relaxation training include; deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and visualization. How it WorksAs a nurse, before beginning systematic desensitization to a patient, you need to have mastered the relaxation training as well as developed a hierarchy (beginning from least feared to most feared) list of the patients’ feared situations. A nurse is responsible for helping patients realize their state of relaxation or identifying their anxiety hierarchy.

This technique begins with imaginary exposure to situations of fear. The feared situations need to be broken down into manageable components using the patient’s anxiety hierarchy (Corey, 2009). For instance, if a patient fears getting into large stores, he or she may have their least anxiety while walking into the store and this may intensify as he or she walks far from the exit doors. The highest fear response for the patient may be when he or she stands in the checkout line. In this situation, as a nurse, I would take the patient through this by starting the process from the action that causes the least distress and let them work their way up.

This therapy is to result in a situation whereby the patient would gradually, or systematically, become desensitized to shopping in large stores. The patient would definitely learn to do it at last without any fear and ultimately be able to overcome the fear of shopping in large stores. The technique of systematic desensitization is said to be highly effective where the problem involved is a learnt anxiety of a particular object or situation such as phobia. Although according to research, the longer the technique takes, the more effective it is.

This makes the technique to become a slow process. This technique has also been proved not to be effective in treating serious mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. However, the technique proved to at least treat the symptoms of the disorders, though not the underlying causes (Saul, 2010). ReferencesAlex, I., & Adam, I. (2013). 1-95 Phobia Treated With Hypnotic Systematic Desensitization.American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis , 143-151.Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Belmont, CA:Thomson Brooks/Cole.Saul, M. (2010). Systematic Desensitization. Symplypsychology , 1-2.Sheryl, A. (2009). Systematic Desensitization: Using Systematic Desensitization to ConquerYour Fears. About.com Panic Disorders , 1.

Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Systematic Desensitization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/nursing/1626382-systematic-desensitization
(Systematic Desensitization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 Words)
https://studentshare.org/nursing/1626382-systematic-desensitization.
“Systematic Desensitization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/nursing/1626382-systematic-desensitization.
  • Cited: 2 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Systematic Desensitization

List a phobia and explain the systematic desensitization of a phobia

Perhaps the most famous and commonly used technique of all is the Systematic Desensitization.... Perhaps the most famous and commonly used technique of all is the Systematic Desensitization.... Instead of this, the Systematic Desensitization first teaches how to reduce the levels of anxiety and fear by cognitive strategies that help control the fear rather than letting it build up inside until it becomes unbearable.... Accordingly with the Systematic Desensitization, the therapist will first teach the patient different ways to relax, like the ones previously mentioned....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Harry Potter Discussion

Systematic Desensitization: Using Systematic Desensitization to Conquer Your Fears.... hat Harry showed is a concrete example of systemic desensitization that is a behavioral modification in psychology that believes in the principle of gradual exposure to the object of someone's fear can actually be a therapy needed to eradicate the said fear.... urthermore, another amusing portrayal of the desensitization is the “Boggart and the Wardrobe” scene....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

Cognitive desensitization as a model of systematic desensitization

In an experiment on Systematic Desensitization (Valins and Ray, 1967), subjects with fear of snakes were made to believe that images of snakes were not affecting their heart rate; this reduced their fear upon exposure to live snakes.... A second group was told that their heart rate… The authors concluded that ‘cognitive restructuring' occurs if one is made to believe that a feared stimulus is not causing internal effects - leading to systematic Cognitive desensitization as a model of Systematic Desensitization In an experiment on Systematic Desensitization (Valins and Ray, 1967), s with fear of snakes were made to believe that images of snakes were not affecting their heart rate; this reduced their fear upon exposure to live snakes....
1 Pages (250 words) Book Report/Review

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Systematic Desensitization is a psychological therapy that assists individuals to overcome certain psychological phobias or incidences of anxieties through subjecting the individual to a gradual counter relaxing stimulus.... Such a scenario may lead to cognitive discomfort among the persons affected thus facilitating the alteration of his/her attitudes, beliefs or even behaviors....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

Kindergarten Scenario

As such, a teacher I have the responsibility of ensuring… Three strategies namely ; positive reinforcement, systematic desensitization and use of punishment could be used in behavior change.... Three strategies namely ; positive reinforcement, systematic desensitization and use of punishment could be used in behavior change....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

Psychological vs Pharmacological Interventions for Anxiety Disorder

This paper "Psychological vs Pharmacological Interventions for Anxiety Disorder" presents anxiety disorder as a blanket term used to describe and define a variety of regular abnormal psychological states, anxiety and nervous conditions that may have an impact on individual's daily routines.... hellip; Anxiety disorders differ in sense of symptoms and appropriate treatment, and the comparison of pharmaceutical vs....
9 Pages (2250 words) Assignment

Human Services in Contemporary America

According to this assignment, psychoanalysis finds its roots in Sigmund Freud's idea of the unconscious mind.... “Psychoanalysis is based upon the observation that individuals are often unaware of what underlies their emotions and behavior” (Burger, ___, p.... 170).... nbsp;… The unconscious thoughts are believed to cause unhappiness, frustrations, and inability to nurture good interpersonal relationships....
4 Pages (1000 words) Assignment

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Modalities for PTSD in Police Officers

hellip; Systematic Desensitization is a method of exposure characteristically encompassing exposure imaginal and in vivo exposure, and relaxation coaching.... The author of the "Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Modalities for PTSD in Police Officers" paper focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy that tactics utilize either the modules itemized above single-handedly or a combination of two or three of the modules....
7 Pages (1750 words) Coursework
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us