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Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages of Systematic Desensitization and Vivo

Desensitization and Other Treatments of Fear

Rafia Batool

Department Of Social Sciences, Riphah International University

Therapeutic interventions

Ma’am Asima Munawar

10 Jan, 2021

 
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Advantages and disadvantages of systematic desensitization in vivo desensitization:

The advantage in vivo desensitization is that client make actual contact with the feared stimulus

and desirable behavior is reinforced and generalization is enhanced and the client progress

through the hierarchy and he performed successful in fear producing situation.

The disadvantage in vivo desensitization is that it is difficult, time consuming and costly than

systematic desensitization (because the therapist has to arrange fear producing situation in

hierarchy and has to accompany the client).

In vivo desensitization is preferred over systematic desensitization because successful behavior

is demonstrated in real life rather than imaginations and behavior is strengthened on teal life

situation.

Advantage of systematic desensitization:

1) The advantage of systematic desensitization is that it is easier and more convenient for the

client to imagine the feared stimulus than to come in contact with it and it is convenient and easy

to carry out.

2) The disadvantage is that the result may not fully generate to the actual fear producing

situation.

Other treatment for fear:

Other treatment are used for treating fear exhibited by adults and child in addition to systematic

and in vivo desensitization.

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Flooding:

Flooding is a procedure in which person is exposed to the feared stimulus at full intensity for a

prolonged period. Initially the person experience heightened anxiety but all time the level of

anxiety decreases through process of respondent exhibit flooding should be conducted only by

professional that is highly trained.

Modeling:

Modeling has been used successful treatment for fear in children. The person with fear can

observe a live model or a film or video model, film procedure have orderly used to help children

overcome fear of surgery or fear of other medical and dental procedures (Miltenberger, 2012, pp.

485-486).

Personal Perspective:

In my opinion, vivo desensitization and systematic desensitization and flooding and modelling

are effective methods for treatments to overcome fear for all age of population. Must be practice

these mindfulness tips during some of less severe times of fear and anxiety.

Reference:

Miltenberger, R. G. (2011). Behavior modification: Principles & procedures (5th ed.).

Wadsworth Publishing Company. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.1998.31-159