Ali has a spider phobia.To overcome this phobia,his therapist has him develop a list of least-to-most feared situations involving spiders.Ali engaged in the least-feared situation,looking at spider pictures in a book.Then he moved to looking at a spider from across a room,touching a spider,and finally getting a tarantula as a pet.This method is known as ____,which incorporates ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The described method of gradually exposing Ali to spiders from least to most feared situations is a form of systematic desensitization therapy, which incorporates in vivo exposure (real-life exposure to the feared object). Progressively becoming more comfortable with each step allows Ali to gradually overcome his phobia. Option B is incorrect because progressive relaxation involves relaxation techniques, not exposure to the feared object. Option C is incorrect because behavior modification typically involves changing behavior through reinforcement or punishment, not exposure to the feared object. Option D is incorrect because punishment and flooding involve negative consequences, not gradual exposure to the feared object.

Ali Has a Spider Phobia