Bobby has arachnophobia (fear of spiders), but he just got an amazing job at the local zoo giving tours. He must take people through the spider exhibit. He has a month to get rid of his fear. Which of the following would represent a typical approach taken in exposure therapy to help him confront his fear?
A)Connect Bobby to an electrode that delivers a mild electrical shock whenever Bobby reports thinking about spiders.
B)Challenge Bobby to rationalize why he might be afraid of spiders.
C)Provide Bobby with statistics to reassure him how common his fear is.
D)Ask Bobby to sit in the same room as a spider for a period of time.
E)None of these possible responses reflect the approach taken in exposure therapy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Exposure therapy involves gradually and systematically exposing the person to the object of their fear—in this case, spiders—so that they can learn to manage their anxiety. Sitting in the same room as a spider would be a typical step in this process.

Bobby Has Arachnophobia (Fear of Spiders), but He Just Got