Chapman & DeLapp (2014) BII Phobia - GAD

What psychological disorder was investigated in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

Blood-Injection-Injury (BII) phobia – a specific phobia often involving vasovagal syncope (fainting).

What is unique about treating BII phobia compared to other specific phobias?

BII often leads to fainting due to a drop in blood pressure, so treatment must address both fear and physical symptoms like syncope.

What was the main aim of Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

To investigate whether BII phobia could be effectively treated using a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and applied muscle tension.

What was the hypothesis in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

That CBT combined with applied muscle tension would reduce anxiety and avoidance, enabling the individual to engage in medical procedures without fainting.

What psychological theory underpins the treatment used in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

CBT helps challenge irrational thoughts and create rational, controlled emotional responses. Muscle tension counters blood pressure drops, reducing likelihood of fainting.

What type of research method and design was used in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

Longitudinal case study of a single participant, tracked over 12 months post-intervention.

Who was the participant in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

A 42-year-old white male diagnosed with BII phobia. He had a history of severe anxiety and fainting during medical procedures.

How was the participant assessed in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

Using self-report tools such as the BAI, BDI, BISS, SUDS, and Q-LES-Q before, during, and after treatment.

What were the therapy outcomes during treatment in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

The participant successfully progressed through the fear hierarchy. He had blood drawn with minimal applied tension, and his SUDS score dropped from 40 to 0.

What were the results at follow-up in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

At 4, 10, and 12 months post-treatment, the participant had attended medical appointments without syncope or high anxiety. His avoidance behaviour had stopped.

What conclusion was drawn from Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

CBT and applied muscle tension together were effective for treating BII phobia. The improvements were maintained long-term.

How generalisable is Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

Not very generalisable – it was a single case study, so findings may not apply to other people or groups.

How reliable is Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

Low external reliability due to being a case study, but internal reliability was strong due to consistent self-report tools and clear outcome measures.

How applicable is Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

Highly applicable – shows that even complex phobias like BII can be successfully treated and that muscle tension techniques can be taught and reused.

What are the validity concerns in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

Self-report measures may have been affected by social desirability bias or inaccurate recall, reducing internal validity.

What ethical considerations were important in Chapman & DeLapp (2014)?

Study was ethical: participant's data anonymised, no reported harm. As a case study, there were minimal ethical risks.

What debate is supported by Chapman & DeLapp (2014) – idiographic vs nomothetic?

Idiographic – the study focused deeply on one individual's experience and treatment process, offering detailed qualitative insight.

What debate is supported by Chapman & DeLapp (2014) – application to everyday life?

Shows real-world relevance – effective treatment for BII phobia can be used in clinical practice to improve lives and reduce medical avoidance.