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
The correct answer is Option (2) → C, E, D, B, A
(C) Together with the client the therapist prepares the hierarchy of anxiety provoking stimuli. — first the fear-provoking situations are listed, the least anxiety-provoking at the bottom.
(E) The therapist relaxes the client using relaxation technique. — the client is then brought into a relaxed state.
(D) Therapist then asks the client to think about least fear provoking situations. — while relaxed, the client imagines the least frightening situation, stopping at the slightest tension.
(B) Gradually the client is able to imagine more severe fear along with relaxation. — over sessions the client moves up to more severe situations while staying relaxed.
(A) The client gets systematically desensitised to the fear. — the end result: relaxation and anxiety cannot be present together (reciprocal inhibition), so the fear fades.
NCERT (2025-26): “Behavioural Techniques … Systematic desensitisation is a technique introduced by Wolpe for treating phobias or irrational fears. The client is interviewed to elicit fear provoking 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. Box 5.2 gives details of relaxation procedures. 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 fear-provoking situations while maintaining the relaxation. The client gets systematically desensitised to the fear.…” |