When Kathryn was visiting her grandmother one summer, a snake crawled on the front porch. Since then, Kathryn has been dreadfully afraid of snakes. Which technique would a behavioral therapist most likely use in this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A behavioral therapist would most likely use systematic desensitization to address Kathryn's fear of snakes. This technique gradually exposes the patient to the feared object or situation in a controlled and safe way, while also teaching coping strategies to manage anxiety. This would involve creating a hierarchy of scenes involving snakes, from least to most anxiety-provoking, and having Kathryn imagine them while engaging in relaxation techniques to help her feel more calm and in control. Over time, she would progress through the hierarchy in real-life situations until her fear is significantly reduced or eliminated.

When Kathryn Was Visiting Her Grandmother One Summer, a Snake