The role in systematic desensitization of the reattribution of causality through self-observation

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Edward Lurey (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
P. Scott Lawrence

Abstract: It was hypothesized that one of the active and clinically effective elements which was operational within a systematic desensitization paradigm involved an attributional reorganization. This reorganization would occur as a function of the subject observing himself on video tape behave in a non-fearful manner (as indicated by false heart rate feedback) toward a feared stimulus. The subject would then positively attribute to himself a series of dispositional traits involving adaptive coping skills. These skills would be demonstrated in each of the five dependent measures (Behavioral Avoidance Test, Fear Thermometer, Heart Rate, Physiological Perception Questionnaire, and S-R Inventory of Anxiousness) which were collected in pre and posttreatment assessments. The experimental design consisted of three different video conditions by two audio feedback conditions and a no-treatment control group. There were four sessions for each treatment group. After the first session (i.e., the second session through the posttest), subjects either saw themselves and the snake, a model and the snake, or the snake only on videotape. In addition, while reviewing videotaped sessions, subjects either heard no audio feedback or what was purported to be their heart rate (false feedback) decreasing over sessions.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1975
Subjects
Phobias $x Treatment
Desensitization (Psychotherapy)
Cognitive therapy

Email this document to