Question

Eduardo, a psychologist, uses systematic desensitization to help his client, Catherine, address her extreme fear of heights. What technique is Eduardo likely to use?

a.
Each week, Eduardo and Catherine take an elevator to the 50th floor of his office building and go outside on the observation deck. They stand close to the edge while he reassures her that everything will be alright.
b.
Eduardo teaches Catherine relaxation techniques then gradually, through guided imagery, asks her to imagine herself in a high place. If she starts to feel anxious, they temporarily return to the relaxation techniques.
c.
Eduardo and Catherine repeatedly visit a scenic viewpoint at the top of a hill. They have a pleasant picnic there, gradually moving to picnic tables that are closer to the top of the hill.
d.
Each week, Eduardo and Catherine take an elevator to the 50th floor of his office building and go outside on the observation deck. They stand there in silence while she internally works through her fear.

Answer 1

Eduardo is likely to use systematic desensitization to help Catherine with her fear of heights by teaching relaxation techniques and gradually exposing her to imagining high places. Option D involves exposure to heights without any intervention to reduce anxiety.

Step-by-step explanation:

Eduardo, a psychologist, is likely to use the technique of systematic desensitization to help his client, Catherine, address her extreme fear of heights. This technique involves exposing the client to progressively more anxiety-inducing situations related to heights while using relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety levels. In this case, option B is the most likely technique that Eduardo will use. He will teach Catherine relaxation techniques and use guided imagery to gradually expose her to imagining herself in high places.

If she starts feeling anxious, they will temporarily return to the relaxation techniques. Option A involves exposure to heights without explicitly addressing and managing anxiety. Option C involves pleasant experiences at a scenic viewpoint, but it does not follow the systematic desensitization approach. Option D involves exposure to heights without any intervention to reduce anxiety.