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The effect of group implosive therapy on snake phobias
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Group Implosive Therapy (IT) effectively reduced snake phobias. A single audio presentation proved as effective as individual therapy, suggesting group adaptation is feasible with repeated exposure.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Snake phobias are a common specific phobia.
- Individual Implosive Therapy (IT) has shown efficacy in treating specific phobias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the adaptability of Implosive Therapy (IT) for group treatment of snake phobias.
- To assess the effectiveness of group IT compared to individual IT.
Main Methods:
- Snake-phobic participants (N=10 per group) received a 25-minute verbal fantasy audio presentation.
- The fantasy scenario mimicked techniques used in individual IT.
Main Results:
- A single group session significantly reduced snake phobias.
- The percentage of participants showing reduced phobias was comparable to individual IT outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Implosive Therapy (IT) is adaptable to a group format for treating snake phobias.
- Repeated exposure to fantasy material is crucial for extinction to occur in group settings.
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