This thesis has presented experimental evidence for the therapeutic use of semantic desensitization in the modification of a snake phobia. An experiment was conducted utilizing 66 introductory psychology and experimental psychology students, who responded in a strongly negative fashion to the word “snake” as it appeared on a semantic differential scale. S’s were randomly assigned to either an experimental group or one of two control groups, where different procedures were used to test the effectiveness of this technique. A significant reduction in the meaning attended to the word “snake” was found after counterconditioning procedures were used for the experimental group. A slight reduction was found in control group I, as was hypothesized and no reduction was found for control group II. It is concluded that counterconditioning utilizing semantic desensitization is an effective and efficient technique in altering meaning attended to a phobic object.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/180763 |
| Date | January 1973 |
| Creators | Schwartz, Leslie J., 1946- |
| Contributors | Deckers, Lambert H. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | ii, 41 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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