The Researcher’s Journal (TRJ) Vol 4, Issue No.1,
pp 1 – 14; April, 2021
Treatment of Specific Phobia: Acrophobic Disorder (Fear of Heights)
1 Obogo, G. O., 2 Sunday, M. O. & 3 Oyo-Ita, E. M.
Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Calabar.
E-mail: adaafugodee@gmail.com; magbeje@gmail.com; megoyoita@yahoo.com
Corresponding author: Godwin Obogo, E-Mail: adaafugodee@gmail.com
This study was a case study therapy conducted on two subjects who suffered from a specific phobic disorder – acrophobic disorder, generally characterized by irrational fear of heights. The subjects with this behavioural problems were identified within the Calabar South local government. The problem behaviour was diagnosed to be clinically significant enough to call for a therapeutic intervention. The problem was seen to meet the intervention standard and criteria as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association. The behavioural assessment and baseline recording was carried out within the period of two weeks (1st – 14th February, 2021). This was done using the RAC-S model of the instrument adapted from the SAGE Publications, Inc. (2018). In the instrument, “R” is for the target response or behaviour as a result of problem. “A” stands for the antecedents (the triggers of the behaviour). “C” is for the consequences of the problem behaviour, and “S” is the response strength (the frequency per unit of time). Short term and long-term goals were set. Therapy commenced from 15th to 27th February, 2021. The therapists utilised a combination of the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and systematic dysensitisation for treatment. The set goals were evaluated. It was found that the techniques used yielded good results for treatment of “Acrophobic Disorder.” It was therefore concluded that the techniques used were very effective, not only for acrophobia but for specific phobias in general. It was recommended that subsequently therapists dealing with acrophobic patients should explore and maximize the benefits embedded in the CBT and systematic desensitisation. However, subsequently, therapists delving into same treatment may explore other techniques to ascertain their efficacies in treatment of same or other specific disorders.
Keywords: acrophobia, disorder, treatment, therapy, heights, fear