Which technique is Joseph Wolpe particularly known for in behavior therapy?

Which technique is Joseph Wolpe particularly known for in behavior therapy?

• A. Free association
• B. Flooding
• C. Systematic desensitization
• D. Token economy

Answer: (C)

Systematic desensitization is the approach Wolpe is best known for in behavior therapy. It works by pairing relaxation with a gradual, step-by-step exposure to a feared situation, using a fear hierarchy so you start with something very mild and progressively face tougher cues while staying relaxed. The key idea is reciprocal inhibition: you can’t feel anxious and relaxed at the same time, so building and maintaining a calm state as you move through increasingly challenging scenarios reduces the fear response over time. This stands in contrast to free association, which comes from psychoanalysis and explores unconscious thoughts rather than altering behavior through exposure. Token economy uses rewards and punishments to modify behavior in settings like schools or clinics, not specifically Wolpe’s desensitization method. Flooding, another exposure strategy, involves intense confrontation all at once rather than gradual exposure, which is why systematic desensitization is the hallmark approach associated with Wolpe.

Systematic desensitization is the approach Wolpe is best known for in behavior therapy. It works by pairing relaxation with a gradual, step-by-step exposure to a feared situation, using a fear hierarchy so you start with something very mild and progressively face tougher cues while staying relaxed. The key idea is reciprocal inhibition: you can’t feel anxious and relaxed at the same time, so building and maintaining a calm state as you move through increasingly challenging scenarios reduces the fear response over time. This stands in contrast to free association, which comes from psychoanalysis and explores unconscious thoughts rather than altering behavior through exposure. Token economy uses rewards and punishments to modify behavior in settings like schools or clinics, not specifically Wolpe’s desensitization method. Flooding, another exposure strategy, involves intense confrontation all at once rather than gradual exposure, which is why systematic desensitization is the hallmark approach associated with Wolpe.