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Related Experiment Videos

Expectancy, covert sensitization and imaginal desensitization in compulsive sexuality.

N McConaghy, M S Armstrong, A Blaszczynski

    Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
    |August 1, 1985
    PubMed
    Summary

    Imaginal desensitization (ID) is as effective as covert sensitization (CS) for treating anomalous sexual behaviors. This behavioral therapy shows promise for reducing compulsive urges and general tension without aversive stimuli.

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    Area of Science:

    • Psychology
    • Behavioral Therapy
    • Clinical Psychology

    Background:

    • Compulsive anomalous sexual behaviors present a significant clinical challenge.
    • Aversive therapies, such as covert sensitization (CS), are standard treatments.
    • A behavioral completion model predicts treatment efficacy based on urge reduction.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To compare the efficacy of imaginal desensitization (ID) with CS for reducing compulsive anomalous sexual behaviors.
    • To investigate the correlation between treatment response and reduced general tension.
    • To explore the relationship between treatment expectancy and patient outcomes.

    Main Methods:

    • Twenty subjects with compulsive anomalous sexual behaviors were randomly assigned to either ID or CS.

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  • Treatment outcomes were assessed by measuring reductions in compulsive behaviors and general tension.
  • Patient expectancies of treatment success were recorded at multiple time points.

    • Main Results:

    • Imaginal desensitization (ID) was found to be at least as effective as covert sensitization (CS).
    • Treatment response correlated with reductions in general tension levels.
    • Stronger correlations between treatment expectancy and response were observed following the final ID session.

    Conclusions:

    • Imaginal desensitization (ID) offers an effective alternative to aversive therapies for anomalous sexual behaviors.
    • The findings suggest ID may facilitate specific patient responses leading to improved self-prediction of success.
    • Further research is warranted to replicate these findings, particularly regarding the ethical implications of non-aversive treatments.