Saavedra and Silverman (2002) Button Phobia (ALL)

What psychology is being studied in Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

Classical and evaluative learning in phobias; disgust and fear in response to stimuli.

What is the background to Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

Phobias may arise through evaluative learning; prior case studies support disgust/fear link.

What was the aim of Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

To understand and treat button phobia in a child using exposure and cognitive strategies.

What was the method and design used in Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

Case study, single-participant longitudinal design.

Who were the participants in Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

1 Hispanic-American boy (age 9 - but started age 5), developed button phobia from traumatic event.

What was the procedure of Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

Positive reinforcement + imagery exposure based on disgust hierarchy. Assessed via interviews and feelings thermometer.

What were the results of Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

Positive behavior change. Imagery exposure reduced distress (e.g. 8 → 5 → 3). Phobia gone at 12-month follow-up.

What were the conclusions of Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

Imagery exposure helps reduce long-term phobic distress. Disgust plays key role.

What ethical issues were raised in Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

Ethical standards upheld: informed consent, protection from harm, confidentiality.

Evaluate the methodology of Saavedra & Silverman (2002)

Strengths: Valid and reliable. Weakness: Not generalisable.

How does Saavedra & Silverman (2002) relate to debates in psychology?

Nature vs Nurture: Mainly nurture. Longitudinal, holistic (btn fear and disgust - interplay) and deterministic.

What is a key data value from Saavedra & Silverman (2002)?

Imagery exposure distress reduced from 8 → 3 across sessions; phobia absent at 6 and 12 months.