A nurse is providing education to a group of clients with phobias. The nurse explains that exposure therapy involves gradual and repeated exposure to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner until the fear diminishes. Which of the following statements accurately describes exposure therapy?
Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Exposure therapy aims to challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs.
Exposure therapy involves teaching clients relaxation techniques.
Exposure therapy is most effective for social phobias.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Exposure therapy is indeed a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) It involves systematically exposing individuals to the feared object or situation in a controlled and gradual manner. The goal is to reduce their anxiety or fear response over time through repeated exposures. By confronting their fears, individuals can learn that their anxiety decreases over time, leading to behavioral changes.
Choice B rationale:
While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) often includes challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs, exposure therapy primarily focuses on the behavioral aspect of fear reduction through systematic exposure. Cognitive restructuring, which addresses irrational beliefs, is a distinct component of CBT but not the primary emphasis of exposure therapy.
Choice C rationale:
Exposure therapy does not inherently involve teaching clients relaxation techniques. Instead, it centers on controlled exposure to the feared stimulus to weaken the fear response. Relaxation techniques might be used in some cases to help manage anxiety, but they are not a defining characteristic of exposure therapy.
Choice D rationale:
Although exposure therapy can be effective for various phobias, it is not exclusive to social phobias. It can be applied to specific phobias, agoraphobia, and other anxiety disorders as well.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
The individual fears or avoids certain situations due to thoughts of difficulty escaping or lack of available help in case of developing incapacitating symptoms (Choice D) is a characteristic of agoraphobia. Individuals with agoraphobia often fear being in situations where escape might be challenging or help might not be readily available if they experience intense anxiety or panic symptoms.
Choice A rationale:
The fear or anxiety is not better explained by another mental disorder (Choice A) is a general criterion for diagnosing anxiety disorders, but it doesn't specifically relate to agoraphobia.
Choice B rationale:
The individual fears or avoids social situations due to the perceived threat of negative evaluation (Choice B) is more indicative of social anxiety disorder, not agoraphobia.
Choice C rationale:
The fear or anxiety is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more (Choice C) is a general criterion for diagnosing anxiety disorders, but it doesn't uniquely characterize agoraphobia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While this characteristic is important, it doesn't distinguish specific phobia from other mental disorders. It's a common requirement for many mental disorders to ensure the symptoms are not transient.
Choice B rationale:
This characteristic is more aligned with Social Phobia, where individuals fear negative evaluation in social situations, rather than Specific Phobia, which involves fear of specific situations or objects.
Choice C rationale:
The persistence of fear or anxiety for at least 6 months is a defining feature of specific phobias. This chronic nature helps differentiate it from transient fears or anxieties.
Choice D rationale:
This characteristic is related to Agoraphobia, where individuals fear situations in which they might develop incapacitating symptoms and lack available help. It doesn't specifically describe the fear of certain situations or objects seen in specific phobias.
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