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Related Experiment Videos

Comment on the status of systematic desensitization.

F Dudley McGlynn1, Todd A Smitherman, Kelly D Gothard

  • 1Auburn University, USA.

Behavior Modification
|March 5, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Interest in systematic desensitization has declined among researchers and clinicians since 1970. Despite reduced academic focus, systematic desensitization remains in fairly widespread clinical use.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavior Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychotherapy Research

Background:

  • Systematic desensitization was a prominent behavioral therapy technique.
  • Academic and clinical interest in established therapeutic modalities can fluctuate over time.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the trend in academic and clinical interest in systematic desensitization.
  • To explore reasons for observed changes in the use of systematic desensitization.

Main Methods:

  • A bibliometric analysis of articles on systematic desensitization in behavior therapy journals (1970-2002).
  • A survey of 171 mental health providers regarding their clinical use of systematic desensitization.

Main Results:

  • A significant and sustained decline in published research on systematic desensitization was observed from 1970 to 2002.
  • Despite the decline in research, systematic desensitization continues to be utilized by a notable proportion of surveyed clinicians.

Conclusions:

  • The study identifies a divergence between academic research trends and ongoing clinical application of systematic desensitization.
  • While a resurgence of academic interest is unlikely, the continued clinical utility suggests potential benefits that are not fully reflected in current research focus.

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