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?

Choice A rationale:

The client's statement reflects cognitive distortion, where their thoughts are irrational and exaggerated. The client's intense fear of bad things happening during a flight and their inability to imagine being on a plane without fear are examples of distorted thinking patterns.

Choice B rationale:

Maladaptive coping refers to using ineffective strategies to deal with stress or anxiety. While the client's fear of flying is indeed a maladaptive response, the statement doesn't directly describe coping mechanisms.

Choice C rationale:

Rational thinking involves logical and balanced thoughts. The client's statement does not reflect rational thinking, as their fear is intense and irrational.

Choice D rationale:

Effective self-management involves using appropriate strategies to manage one's fears or anxieties. The client's statement does not indicate effective self-management, as their fear seems to be controlling their emotions and thoughts rather than managing them.

Choice A rationale:

This statement accurately captures the key features of phobias. Phobias involve intense, irrational fear reactions to specific objects or situations that persist over time. The fear is often excessive in relation to the actual threat posed by the phobic stimulus.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "Phobias can be caused by biological factors only" (choice B) is not accurate. While biological factors like genetics and brain chemistry can contribute to the development of phobias, they are not the sole cause. Psychological and environmental factors also play significant roles.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "Phobias can be diagnosed based on physical symptoms" (choice C) is incorrect. Phobias are diagnosed based on psychological symptoms, such as intense fear, avoidance behavior, and distress. Physical symptoms may accompany the fear response but are not the primary diagnostic criteria.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "Phobias can be managed with medication alone" (choice D) is not entirely accurate. While medication can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety associated with phobias, the most effective treatments often involve psychotherapy, particularly exposure therapy, to address the underlying fear response and promote lasting change.