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Systematic desensitization,
or counterconditioning, is a well-developed, standardized behavioral
technique that has been found to be effective against anticipatory
nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy. The key elements of
SD (illustrated in the diagram below) can be taught to patients
in about 20 minutes.
The next logical step
in this research was to determine both of the major component
parts (i.e. relaxation and creating a cognitive hierarchy) of
the systematic desensitization procedure which were required.
Such research would have both practical and theoretical aims.
- The practical
aim was to see if the treatment of anticipatory side effects
could be made more cost-effective by the use of relaxation as
opposed to requiring professional time for doing systematic
desensitization. Teaching relaxation alone requires less professional
time and expertise than desensitization. If the relaxation alone
was found to be as effective as the desensitization, then the
possibility of competent treatment by a wide variety of professions
and persons of varying backgrounds would be enhanced.
- The theoretical
aim involved the opportunity, provided by the study, to
do a component analysis of whether the hierarchy and cognitive
involvement present in the systematic desensitization resulted
in greater efficacy than relaxation alone. If relaxation alone
was found as effective as the desensitization, then a reduction
in general arousal or some nonspecific effect on the gastric
system might be the active component. On the other hand, superiority
of desensitization would provide support for the involvement
of cognitive processes in the development of anticipatory side
effects.
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