Julian seeks professional help for his fear of spiders. In stages, his therapist shows him pictures, movies, and models of spiders; then a real dead spider, a small live spider in a jar, several live spiders in a jar, and finally a live spider loose in the room. At each stage, the therapist made sure that Julian was fully relaxed. This technique is known as ________.
A) aversive conditioning
B) stepwise regression
C) transactional therapy
D) systematic desensitization

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The technique described in the scenario is known as systematic desensitization. It involves gradually exposing the person to their feared object or situation while ensuring that they are in a relaxed state. This is done in stages or steps, starting with less intimidating stimuli and gradually moving towards the actual feared object. The goal is to extinguish the fear response and replace it with relaxation.

Julian Seeks Professional Help for His Fear of Spiders