Which Behaviorism intervention is described as using gradual exposure to reduce fear?

Which Behaviorism intervention is described as using gradual exposure to reduce fear?

• A. Token economies
• B. Positive role modeling
• C. Systematic desensitization
• D. Imagery

Answer: (C)

Systematic desensitization uses gradual exposure to reduce fear by pairing a relaxation response with progressively more challenging encounters with the feared stimulus. The approach starts by teaching a client a relaxation technique, then building a fear hierarchy from least to most anxiety-provoking scenes or cues. The client practices staying relaxed while slowly confronting each item in the hierarchy, moving step by step as comfort increases. Over time, the anxiety response weakens because the relaxation becomes associated with the feared stimulus instead of fear, effectively extinguishing the fear through controlled, repeated exposure. Token economies reinforce behavior but don’t address fear directly. Positive role modeling shows others performing the desired behavior, not a structured gradual exposure to fear. Imagery involves mental visualization and can be used within exposure, but it isn’t the standardized method that systematically exposes someone to real or imagined cues in graduated steps with relaxation.

Systematic desensitization uses gradual exposure to reduce fear by pairing a relaxation response with progressively more challenging encounters with the feared stimulus. The approach starts by teaching a client a relaxation technique, then building a fear hierarchy from least to most anxiety-provoking scenes or cues. The client practices staying relaxed while slowly confronting each item in the hierarchy, moving step by step as comfort increases. Over time, the anxiety response weakens because the relaxation becomes associated with the feared stimulus instead of fear, effectively extinguishing the fear through controlled, repeated exposure.

Token economies reinforce behavior but don’t address fear directly. Positive role modeling shows others performing the desired behavior, not a structured gradual exposure to fear. Imagery involves mental visualization and can be used within exposure, but it isn’t the standardized method that systematically exposes someone to real or imagined cues in graduated steps with relaxation.