Imaginal response events in systematic desensitization: a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Systematic desensitization (SD) primarily targets physiological responses to aversive stimuli.
• SD also influences motor approach behaviors and self-reported experiences.
• The potential for SD to directly condition motor responses via imagery remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if systematic desensitization (SD) can directly condition covert approach responses.
• To examine the influence of instructional content and actual covert motor responses during SD.
• To explore the role of imagery as a measurable covert behavior.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four subjects were classified as high or low responders based on electromyographic (EMG) responsiveness to movement imagery.
• Participants received instructions to either imagine approaching snakes or to imagine snakes without motor components.
• Imaginal exposure (30 seconds) alternated with relaxation periods (30 seconds).

Main Results:

• High-responders demonstrated significantly better performance on posttreatment measures compared to low-responders.
• Initial analysis showed no significant difference between the two instruction groups.
• Re-analysis after reclassifying subjects based on self-reported imagery revealed significant differences, supporting the motor conditioning hypothesis.

Conclusions:

• Systematic desensitization may directly condition covert motor approach behaviors through guided imagery.
• Individual differences in motor responsiveness (high vs. low responders) significantly impact treatment outcomes.
• Imagery can be considered a form of covert behavior amenable to empirical investigation.