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Brief report: Contact desensitization in the treatment of dog phobias in persons who have mental retardation
Author(s) -
Erfanian Nasrin,
Miltenberger Raymond G.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
behavioral interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.605
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1099-078X
pISSN - 1072-0847
DOI - 10.1002/bin.2360050106
Subject(s) - phobias , desensitization (medicine) , psychology , systematic desensitization , clinical psychology , generalization , psychotherapist , psychiatry , anxiety , medicine , mathematical analysis , receptor , mathematics
In comparison with the research done on phobias in non‐retarded individuals, there is a paucity of research in the treatment of phobias in persons with mental retardation. In this study, contact desensitization was evaluated as a treatment for two individuals who have mental retardation and an intense fear of dogs. Following base‐line assessment using a behavioral avoidance test (BAT) measuring actual approach behavior, treatment was implemented in a multiple base‐line across subjects design. Contact desensitization resulted in the elimination of avoidance behavior in both subjects during the BAT. Measures of generalization in an outdoor setting, and maintenance during a two‐month follow‐up, showed that the clients continued to be free of avoidance behavior. The implications for further application and research are discussed.