Desensitization is a behavior modification technique designed to replace an anxiety-producing stimulus with a relaxation response. Which of the following is NOT one of the stages of desensitization?

Desensitization is a behavior modification technique designed to replace an anxiety-producing stimulus with a relaxation response. Which of the following is NOT one of the stages of desensitization?

• A. Exposure to the object or action of fear
• B. Avoidance of the object or action of fear
• C. Creation of a fear hierarchy
• D. Learning relaxation techniques

Answer: (B)

Desensitization aims to replace anxiety with a relaxation response by pairing gradual exposure to feared stimuli with learned relaxation. The process starts with teaching relaxation techniques so the person can stay calm. Next, a fear hierarchy is created, listing situations from least to most frightening. Finally, the person works through the hierarchy, facing each level while maintaining the relaxed state and advancing only when anxiety can be managed without being overwhelming. This approach relies on exposure combined with relaxation to extinguish fear responses. What is not part of this process is avoidance of the feared object or situation. Avoidance prevents the feared response from weakening because the person never has the chance to practice staying calm in the presence of the stimulus or to learn that the stimulus can be endured without harm. For example, someone afraid of spiders would practice relaxation, start with non-threatening exposure in a controlled way, and gradually encounter more challenging spider-related situations, rather than avoiding them altogether.

Desensitization aims to replace anxiety with a relaxation response by pairing gradual exposure to feared stimuli with learned relaxation. The process starts with teaching relaxation techniques so the person can stay calm. Next, a fear hierarchy is created, listing situations from least to most frightening. Finally, the person works through the hierarchy, facing each level while maintaining the relaxed state and advancing only when anxiety can be managed without being overwhelming. This approach relies on exposure combined with relaxation to extinguish fear responses.

What is not part of this process is avoidance of the feared object or situation. Avoidance prevents the feared response from weakening because the person never has the chance to practice staying calm in the presence of the stimulus or to learn that the stimulus can be endured without harm. For example, someone afraid of spiders would practice relaxation, start with non-threatening exposure in a controlled way, and gradually encounter more challenging spider-related situations, rather than avoiding them altogether.