Which step in systematic desensitization is conducted in real-life situations?

Which step in systematic desensitization is conducted in real-life situations?

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

Answer: (B)

Systematic desensitization blends learning to stay calm with gradual exposure to feared situations. The step conducted in real-life situations is in vivo desensitization, where you actually face the feared stimuli in real settings while using relaxation skills to stay calm. This real-world exposure contrasts with imagining the scenarios, which is the imagined-desensitization approach. The relaxation training provides the coping tool that makes it possible to stay relaxed during exposure, and the anxiety hierarchy organizes situations from least to most scary so progress happens gradually. The construction of an anxiety hierarchy is the planning stage, not the exposure itself.

Systematic desensitization blends learning to stay calm with gradual exposure to feared situations. The step conducted in real-life situations is in vivo desensitization, where you actually face the feared stimuli in real settings while using relaxation skills to stay calm. This real-world exposure contrasts with imagining the scenarios, which is the imagined-desensitization approach. The relaxation training provides the coping tool that makes it possible to stay relaxed during exposure, and the anxiety hierarchy organizes situations from least to most scary so progress happens gradually. The construction of an anxiety hierarchy is the planning stage, not the exposure itself.