Leo is nine years old and has developed an intense phobia of buttons (koumpounophobia). His mother is concerned because he now refuses to get dressed by himself and avoids wearing school uniform shirts or smart coats. She says, 'Leo used to love choosing his own clothes and dressing up as a superhero, but now he will only wear t-shirts and elasticated jogging bottoms, and he refuses to go to family events where he has to wear smart clothing.'
A therapist has suggested treating Leo's fear of buttons using systematic desensitisation. Explain how this procedure could be used to help Leo overcome his phobia.
62 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Behavioural approach to phobias. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.