This article summarizes research on systematic desensitization applied in group settings. Guidelines for use of group desensitization by college counselors are developed, and relevant sources regarding procedural variations cited. The need for research on group desensitization parameters is discussed. (Author)

Within an experimental paradigm that simulated systematic desensitization, the effects of manipulated cognitive expectancy on avoidance behavior were evaluated. The results indicated that both overt avoidance behavior and two verbal indexes were differentially affected by expectancy and that no relationship between avoidance behavior and autonomic…

Results indicated that only significant reductions on test anxiety were obtained for groups given desensitization, but for groups given combinations of desensitization and counseling, improvement occurred in both test anxiety and study skills. (Author)

A description of a mediational model to explain the effectiveness of desensitization and a discussion of the available corroborative research findings for this alternative explanation are given. Also, specific procedural modifications for systematic desensitization are suggested. (Author)

This research constitutes a preliminary attempt to study the procedural variable of differential spacing of desensitization sessions. (Author)

The use of in vivo and imaginal desensitization procedures for treatment of a fear of flying in airplanes is described. The direct benefits of the program, along with the positive effects it had upon progress on a series of other, equally troublesome presenting problems is discussed. (Author)

Studied use of electromyographic (CMG) biofeedback to increase efficacy of cue-controlled relaxation training in treatment of test anxiety. Results indicated cue-controlled relaxation was effective in increasing test performance for test-anxious subjects. EMG biofeedback did not contribute to effectiveness. Self-report measures of anxiety are…

Successful techniques for reducing tension and anxiety in athletes are described. (JD)

Two management approaches for hyperactive children with tactile defensiveness are described. Systematic desensitization uses sensory integration techniques. Implosion uses restraint and intense tactile stimulation implosively to break through the fear and hyperactive resistance. (JMF)

Using speech anxiety as the target behavior, this study compared two self-control desensitization procedures. Speech-anxious community residents (N=42) volunteered for participation in the program and were seen within a group context for a total of seven therapy sessions. No differential effectiveness was found between the two desensitization…

Finds that exposure to graphic photographs of worms taken from a horror film increased children's enjoyment of the horror movie segment and reduced fear reactions to the scene. Shows that exposure to a live earthworm was effective in reducing fear reactions to the movie only among boys but did alter children's affective reactions to and judgments…

The influence of two of the variables in Leitenberg's graduated exposure technique for treating phobias, graduated exposure and subject control of the exposure time, was investigated using 15 snake-phobic subjects. Subjective fear significantly decreased from pretesting to posttesting. (Author)

In the context of a "reinforced practice" treatment paradigm, the present study experimentally analyzed whether or not feedback superimposed upon contingent praise would have an additive therapeutic effect. (Author)

The article discusses the value of using mental imagery (MI) in personal efforts to achieve life goals. The process of relaxing, reducing fear, and remembering is described, followed by a discussion of MI and self-worth. Other issues mentioned are the strengthening and weakening of behavior, and resistance. (Author/BW)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of positive attentional cues as cognitive factors in the modification of fear responses in a desensitization-like treatment procedure. Positive attentional cues are defined as positively-valenced descriptors of the feared stimulus. Two groups of two subjects each were assessed as to the…