Transfer during systematic desensitization therapy

Transfer of learning from systematic desensitization therapy to a test within therapy, in which G.S.R. to the imagination of a series of feared scenes was serially recorded, and to the actual feared situation was studied, found a delay of transfer from therapy to the feared situation.

Abstract

Transfer of learning from systematic desensitization therapy, to a test within therapy, in which G.S.R. to the imagination of a series of feared scenes was serially recorded, and to the actual feared situation, was studied during the course of therapy in five agoraphobic patients. A delay of transfer from therapy to the feared situation was found. It appears likely that therapists carry out transfer training unwittingly during therapy. It is suggested that the discrepancies found in the literature can be explained by therapist variables such as degree of therapeutic intent, and patient variables such as degree of dependence shown by the patient.