Question

Arrange steps in the correct sequence followed in systematic desensitization technique:
(A) The therapist relaxes the clients and asks him to think about the least anxiety-provoking situation.
(B) The client is interviewed to elicit fear-provoking situations.
(C) The therapist prepares a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli with the least anxiety-provoking at the bottom.
(D) The client is asked to stop thinking of the fearful situation if the slightest tension is felt.
(E) Over the sessions, the client is able to imagine more severe fear-provoking situations while maintaining relaxation.

• A. (E), (B), (A), (D), (C)
• B. (B), (C), (A), (D), (E)
• C. (A), (B), (C), (E), (D)
• D. (C), (D), (B), (A), (E)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The correct order of steps followed in the systematic desensitization technique is as follows: 

1. (B): The client is interviewed to elicit fear-provoking situations. This step involves understanding the specific fears or anxieties the client has, which is crucial for tailoring the therapy.
2. (C): The therapist prepares a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli with the least anxiety-provoking at the bottom. This creates a structured plan for gradually exposing the client to these fears.
3. (A): The therapist relaxes the clients and asks them to think about the least anxiety-provoking situation. Relaxation techniques are taught to help the client manage their anxiety.
4. (D): The client is asked to stop thinking of the fearful situation if the slightest tension is felt. This ensures that the client remains at a manageable level of anxiety, promoting confidence in handling fears.
5. (E): Over the sessions, the client is able to imagine more severe fear-provoking situations while maintaining relaxation. As therapy progresses, the client becomes better at managing more intense fears.

Answer 2

The correct sequence of steps in the systematic desensitization technique is as follows:

(B) The client is interviewed to elicit fear-provoking situations.

This initial step involves understanding the client’s specific fears and anxieties to tailor the desensitization process.

(C) The therapist prepares a hierarchy of anxiety-provoking stimuli with the least anxiety-provoking at the bottom.

A list is created, ranking the fears from least to most anxiety-inducing, which helps to approach fears gradually.

(A) The therapist relaxes the clients and asks them to think about the least anxiety-provoking situation.

The client learns relaxation techniques to manage anxiety while thinking about less threatening situations.

(D) The client is asked to stop thinking of the fearful situation if the slightest tension is felt.

This step helps manage anxiety, encouraging the client to stop and relax if they feel anxious at any point during the process.

(E) Over the sessions, the client is able to imagine more severe fear-provoking situations while maintaining relaxation.

The ultimate goal is to desensitize the client to more intense fears over time, allowing them to maintain calm even in situations that once provoked anxiety.

This process is used in systematic desensitization to gradually reduce the client’s fear response by combining relaxation techniques with exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli.