Discussion:
Treatment through behavior modification
I am having issues understanding this problem.
Jackie has been afraid of dogs since she was a toddler. When she was three years old, she was playing in her front yard when a neighbor's dog came up to her and bit her hand. The bite required a trip to the pediatrician and several stitches. Twenty years later, she can remember every detail of the event. Now when she sees dogs or one comes near her, her heart pounds and she feels sick to her stomach. Normally, she could simply avoid dogs, but she is getting married to a dog breeder in six months. Jackie is coming to you for help with her fear of dogs.
Questions:
1. Discuss one behavioral theory that could explain why Jackie has remained fearful of dogs.
2. What kind of behavioral modification program can be designed for Jackie so that she does not experience fear when seeing dogs?