Question

A process of eliminating anxiety by pairing the anxiety-evoking situation with a relaxing response is called:

A) Systematic desensitization
B) Aversion therapy
C) Positive reinforcement
D) Operant conditioning

Answer 1

Systematic Desensitization is the therapeutic technique used to reduce or eliminate anxiety by pairing anxiety-triggering situations with relaxation responses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process you're asking about is called Systematic Desensitization. This therapeutic technique involves gradually exposing a person to anxiety-producing stimuli while teaching them effective relaxation responses. The concept is related to classical conditioning, where an individual learns to associate a relaxed state with previously anxiety-inducing situations. Through repeated practice, this helps reduce or eliminate the anxiety response.

In contrast, operant conditioning links behaviors to positive or negative consequences, reinforcing behaviors through rewards or punishments. Systematic desensitization is specifically designed to address anxiety by counter-conditioning a new, relaxing response to replace the anxious reaction.