Filmed treatment as an effective fear-reduction technique

The present study attempted to determine whether age and sex of a film model would differentially affect fear reduction in the viewing children. The experiment also tested the reactions of Ss to films using real feared objects versus films of simulated objects. Twenty-five fourth- and fifth-grade males who were fearful of snakes were shown a treatment film for a total of 10 minutes. Pretreatment and posttreatment tests included asking Ss to approach and handle a live 4-ft. boa constrictor. Results indicated that models' age and sex characteristics did not influence their effectiveness as behavior-change agents. It was found that the use of the real feared object in the treatment film was a more effective fear reducer than was a replica of the object.