Arrange in correct sequence the process of systematic desensitization from the statements given below:-
A. The client gets systematically desensitised to the fear.
B. Gradually the client is able to imagine more severe fear along with relaxation.
C. Together with the client the therapist prepares the hierarchy of anxiety provoking stimuli.
D. Therapist then asks the client to think about least fear provoking situations.
E. The therapist relaxes the client using relaxation technique.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
Systematic desensitisation is a technique introduced by Wolpe for treating phobias or irrational fears. The client is interviewed to elicit fearprovoking situations and together with the client, the therapist prepares a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli with the least anxiety-provoking stimuli at the bottom of the hierarchy. The therapist relaxes the client and asks the client to think about the least anxiety-provoking situation. The client is asked to stop thinking of the fearful situation if the slightest tension is felt. Over sessions, the client is able to imagine more severe fearprovoking situations while maintaining the relaxation. The client gets systematically desensitised to the fear.
The correct sequence for the process of systematic desensitization is:
C, E, D, B, A
- Together with the client, the therapist prepares the hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli (C).
- The therapist relaxes the client using a relaxation technique (E).
- The therapist then asks the client to think about the least fear-provoking situations (D).
- Gradually, the client is able to imagine more severe fear along with relaxation (B).
- The client gets systematically desensitized to the fear (A).