In systematic desensitization, what does the anxiety hierarchy refer to?

In systematic desensitization, the anxiety hierarchy is a crucial component that involves creating a structured list of fears or anxiety-provoking situations organized in order of increasing intensity. This hierarchy allows a person to gradually confront their fears, starting from the least anxiety-provoking scenario and working their way up to more challenging situations.

The anxiety hierarchy is often created using a subjective units of discomfort scale, which helps individuals rate their level of anxiety in response to each situation on the list. This process supports the gradual and systematic exposure to fears while using relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety as the person progresses through the hierarchy.

Employing this method allows individuals to build resilience and decrease their overall anxiety response, facilitating a healthier interaction with their fears over time. By focusing on manageable exposures, systematic desensitization helps people to learn that their fears may not be as threatening as they perceive.