AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The process of desensitization was developed by psychologist Mary Cover Jones, and is primarily used to assist individuals in unlearning phobias and anxieties. Joseph Wolpe (1958) developed a method of a hierarchal list of anxiety evoking stimuli in order of intensity, which allows individuals to undergo adaption.

Detailed explanation-2: -Desensitization is sometimes used to treat phobias by gradually and repeatedly presenting the frightening stimulus under nonthreatening conditions. Over time, when desensitization works, the phobic response becomes less and less intense.

Detailed explanation-3: -Systematic desensitization involves exposing phobic individuals to fear-evoking images and thoughts (i.e., imaginal exposure) or to actual phobic stimuli, while pairing the exposure with relaxation (or another response that is incompatible with fear) to decrease the normal fear response.

Detailed explanation-4: -Yes. Systematic desensitization is effective for anxiety in many scientific studies. For example: A 2020 study suggested systematic desensitization does reduce anxiety in people living with specific phobias.

Detailed explanation-5: -Desensitization is a process designed to reduce the exaggerated responses (triggers) that cause severe anxiety when you suffer from an anxiety disorder. Through various desensitization processes, your mind and body get used to the triggers so that they no longer create the same involuntary anxiety reaction.