In systematic desensitization, which component is practiced in the imagination before real-life exposure?

In systematic desensitization, which component is practiced in the imagination before real-life exposure?

• A. Desensitization in imagination
• B. Relaxation training
• C. In vivo desensitization
• D. Construction of anxiety hierarchy

Answer: (A)

In systematic desensitization, you first learn to relax, then you work through a clear plan of feared situations from least to most anxiety-provoking. The part that happens in the imagination before any real-life exposure is imagining those scenarios while staying relaxed. This imaginal exposure—desensitization in imagination—let's the person practice controlling nervous system arousal in a safe, controlled setting, gradually reducing the fear response. Only after this imagined work is mastered do you move on to in vivo desensitization, exposing the person to real-life situations. The relaxation training and the anxiety hierarchy are essential setup steps, but the actual practice done in the imagination is the imagined desensitization.

In systematic desensitization, you first learn to relax, then you work through a clear plan of feared situations from least to most anxiety-provoking. The part that happens in the imagination before any real-life exposure is imagining those scenarios while staying relaxed. This imaginal exposure—desensitization in imagination—let's the person practice controlling nervous system arousal in a safe, controlled setting, gradually reducing the fear response. Only after this imagined work is mastered do you move on to in vivo desensitization, exposing the person to real-life situations. The relaxation training and the anxiety hierarchy are essential setup steps, but the actual practice done in the imagination is the imagined desensitization.