Steven C. Fischer

Effects of imaginal exposure to feared disasters in obsessive-compulsive checkers ☆

The combined effects of imaginal exposure to feared catastrophes and in vivo exposure to external stimuli were compared with the effects of in vivo exposure alone in 15 obsessive-compulsives with checking rituals. The first group received 90 min of uninterrupted exposure in imagination, which concentrated mainly on disastrous consequences, followed by 30 min of exposure in vivo to stimuli-situations which triggered rituals. The second group was given 2 hr of exposure in vivo only. Both groups were prevented from performing rituals. Treatment consisted of 10 daily sessions within a 2 week period. Assessments were conducted before and after treatment and at follow-up ranging from 3 months to 2.5 yr with a mean of 11 months. At post-treatment both groups improved considerably and did not differ. But at follow-up those who received imaginal and in vivo exposure maintained their gains, whereas the group who were treated by exposure in vivo alone evidenced partial relapse on four of the six dependent measures. The results tend to indicate that a closer match between a patients internal fear model and the content of exposure enhances long term treatment efficacy.

A children's reinforcement survey schedule

Abstract The empirical development of a childrens reinforcement survey schedule with 225 children is described and its test-retest reliability with 44 different children is reported. Uses for the schedule in clinical practice are enumerated.

The treatment of enuresis by progressively earlier waking

Abstract A 13-yr-old girl with a 7-yr history of enuresis had obtained only limited success using a daytime instrumental conditioning program. A new program involving waking 2 hr after falling asleep, and then progressively earlier, resulted in elimination of the enuresis. An 8-month follow-up indicated that the recovery had been maintained.

Standardization of the fear survey schedule

Abstract The extended Wolpe-Lang Fear Survey Schedule (1969) was administered to 115 female and 141 male university students. Standardized data were obtained. The clinical and research implications of the data are discussed.