Question

Kyla is afraid of spiders. Her therapist recommended systematic desensitization to deal with her phobia. They have been working on her phobia forseveral sessions in the office, and it is time for her third step: gradual exposure. You are an intern in the practice, and you will be conducting this step withKyla. Which of the following answers indicates how you will proceed?Begin by placing the spider in Kyla’s lap. Leave it there until her heart rate returns to her baseline.Begin by placing the spider far enough away from Kyla that her heart rate remains at her baseline. Each time you move the spider closer toKyla, you will see her heart rate change on the monitor. Make sure to continue to move it closer to her before her heart rate returns to thebaseline.Begin by placing the spider far enough away from Kyla that her heart rate remains at her baseline. Each time you move the spider closer toKyla, you will see her heart rate change on the monitor. Do not move it closer to her until her deep breathing returns her heart rate to thebaseline.Begin by asking Kyla to close her eyes and relax. Let the spider out of his cage and let him roam around the office. Continue to help Kyla relaxand keep her heart at baseline.

Answer 1

Answer: C-Begin by placing the spider far enough away from Kyla that her heart rate remains at her baseline. Each time you move the spider closer to Kyla, you will see her heart rate change on the monitor. Do not move it closer to her until her deep breathing returns her heart rate to the baseline.

Explanation:

Systematic desensitization involves identifying anxiety producing stimuli, learning how to relax, and then using relaxation to cope with a progressive series of anxiety-provoking stimuli. The correct answer is to  begin by placing the spider far enough away from Kyla that her heart rate remains at her baseline. Then, Each time  the spider is placed closer to Kyla,  her heart rate will  change so it is recommendable not move it closer to her until her deep breathing returns her heart rate to the baseline.Thus, relaxation will be used to deal with her anxiety.

Answer 2

Answer:

Begin by placing the spider far enough away from Kyla that her heart rate remains at her baseline. Each time you move the spider closer to Kyla, you will see her heart rate change on the monitor. Do not move it closer to her until her deep breathing returns her heart rate to the baseline.

Explanation:

The process of systematic desensitization is oriented towards consciously facing a stressful situation, reliving and expressing step by step what you think and feel when you are exposed to what stresses you. Relaxation will have a calming effect and time will provide tools for you to gain new learning, which will reduce the state of distress.

In Kyla's case, systematic desensitization is done to alleviate the stress and fear she feels when she sees a spider.

You are the intern at the clinic where she is being treated and are assigned to participate in the gradual exposure step of Kyla's treatment.

Gradual exposure will consist of exposing the spider to Kyla and moving the spider away when Kyla shows signs of stress and exposing the spider again. For this you must:

Begin by placing the spider far enough away from Kyla that her heart rate remains at her baseline. Each time you move the spider closer to Kyla, you will see her heart rate change on the monitor. Do not move it closer to her until her deep breathing returns her heart rate to the baseline.