How might behavioural techniques help treat phobias?
A) by removing the central nucleus of the amygdala
B) by conditioning a new unconditioned stimulus to the conditioned response, thus removing the initial conditioning
C) by systematically desensitizing the threat by introducing new conditioned responses
D) by punishing unwanted conditioned responses to the phobic unconditioned stimulus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Behavioural techniques such as systematic desensitization involve exposing the individual to the feared stimulus in a graded manner while teaching relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety. This process weakens the association between the feared stimulus and the conditioned response, ultimately reducing the individual's phobic response. Removing the central nucleus of the amygdala (A) is a surgical intervention that is not commonly used to treat phobias. Conditioning a new unconditioned stimulus to the conditioned response (B) is not a typical method used in phobia treatments, and punishing unwanted conditioned responses (D) could potentially increase anxiety and reinforce the phobia.

How Might Behavioural Techniques Help Treat Phobias