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Group treatment of dog phobia in people with mental handicaps
Author(s) -
Doherty Ingrid E.,
Houston Julia C.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of the british institute of mental handicap (apex)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1468-3156
pISSN - 0261-9997
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3156.1990.tb00593.x
Subject(s) - session (web analytics) , psychology , clinical psychology , specific phobia , group (periodic table) , psychotherapist , psychiatry , anxiety , anxiety disorder , computer science , world wide web , chemistry , organic chemistry
The present study describes the group treatment of dog phobia in people with mental handicaps. The method was based on that described by Dixon and Gunary (1986) and the aim was to see whether their procedure could be shortened and still remain effective. Eleven sessions were held with a group of six adults. The techniques used included graded exposure, modelling, and video feedback. Fear responses were rated during each session. The results demonstrated that following the sessions all members of the group showed an increased ability to cope with the close proximity of a dog, despite the procedure having been shortened. Some disadvantages of working with a heterogeneous group, and problems of maintenance and generalisation, are discussed.