Acceptability of fear reduction procedures with children

The present study investigated the acceptability and perceived effectiveness of alternative fear reduction procedures used with children and adolescents. Descriptions of fear reduction procedures were evaluated by secondary school students, parents, and professionals. Of all the treatments, systematic desensitisation was rated as the most acceptable and effective. Presumably because of its confronting and potentially aversive nature, flooding was generally unacceptable and seen to be ineffective. In contrast to previous research findings, a clear pattern failed to emerge between the evaluations of the various groups. A strong positive relationship was found between acceptability and perceived effectiveness ratings.