Systematic desensitization is best described as a procedure to reduce anxiety through gradual exposure.

• A. Treats depression
• B. Improves memory
• C. Reduces anxiety with gradual exposure
• D. Increases aggression

Answer: (C)

Systematic desensitization is a behavioral technique that reduces anxiety by pairing relaxation with gradual exposure to feared stimuli. The approach starts with teaching a calm relaxation response, then building a fear hierarchy from least to most anxiety-provoking items, and finally having the person confront each item in the hierarchy while maintaining relaxation. With repeated, controlled exposure, the anxious arousal diminishes as the mind learns to associate the feared stimuli with calm rather than fear. This method targets anxiety and phobias, not depression, memory, or aggression.