What is Arsonphobia?
Arsonphobia - Fear of fire.
An adaptation of systematic desensitisation which is sometimes used with children. A fear hierarchy is worked out but instead of relaxation techniques, the child is asked to imagine that the graded exposure trials are taking place with the help of his or her favourite hero or heroine. An imagined adventure story is constructed in which child and hero progressively overcome the stages of the fear hierarchy.
Another form of therapy that may be used with phobic children. It attempts to teach the child a new 'target behaviour' in the presence of the phobic stimulus to replace the usual fear response. A series of target behaviours may be needed. This is accomplished by using positive reinforcement methods (i.e. rewards that the child desires) each time a target behaviour is achieved.
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