Examination of model characteristics in reducing avoidance behavior.

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Abstract
Examined the relative efficacy of 2 model characteristics in reducing avoidance behavior using a 2 * 2 factorial design. Fearless vs. coping behavior and behavioral and cognitive modeling vs. behavioral modeling alone were studied. 36 female undergraduates with an extreme fear of nonpoisonous snakes were assessed twice on a graduated behavioral approach test and on self-report measures of fearfulness. Between approach tests Ss observed 3 televised female models in the same approach situation. The behavioral and affective self-report measures indicate that observation of coping models, who initially demonstrate fearful behavior, subsequently model coping, and finally mastery behaviors, is significantly superior to mastery models in enhancing fear reduction. The addition of the models' self-verbalization to the coping condition significantly enhanced treatment effectiveness. Results indicate that a coping self-verbalizing model was the most effective model to reduce avoidance behavior. Factors required to facilitate modeling treatment of avoidance behavior are discussed. (37 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

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