Jones, K.M. & Friman, P.C. (1999).
A case study of behavioral assessment and treatment of insect phobia.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
32, 95-98.
We assessed the academic
performance of a 14-year-old boy with insect phobia in the context
of feared stimuli. The dependent measure was math calculation rate
across three conditions that varied therapist statements about the
presence of crickets and the actual presence of live crickets.
Subsequent treatment consisted of graduated exposure and
contingent rewards for math problem completion. Assessment
results indicated that the boy's performance was consistently low
in the presence of live crickets but not when he was spuriously
informed that crickets were present (the primary referral
concern). Treatment results indicated no effect from exposure
alone and a dramatic effect when exposure was combined with
contingent rewards.
DESCRIPTORS: behavioral assessment, anxiety, insect phobia,
behavior disorders, clinical behavioral analysis