Applied tension (AT) is a novel psychotherapy technique used to treat anxiety disorders, particularly phobias. AT is a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach that involves the systematic application of physical tension to produce a fear response, which is then confronted and desensitized. This technique has been shown to be effective in reducing the intensity of fear response and improving treatment outcomes for anxiety disorders.
The origins of AT can be traced back to the early 20th century when psychologists and psychiatrists began to explore the implications of conditioning and classical conditioning. AT was first described in the 1950s by Carl R. Rogers and his colleagues, and has since been applied to the treatment of a variety of anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder.
AT is typically administered in a two-stage process. In the first stage, physical tension is systematically applied to the patient’s upper body, while they are instructed to imagine the feared object or situation. This tension is increased until the patient experiences a fear response. This response is then confronted and desensitized in the second stage, with the patient gradually decreasing the tension as they become more comfortable with the feared object or situation.
AT has been shown to be effective in reducing the intensity of fear response in both laboratory and clinical settings. In a randomized controlled trial of AT for the treatment of spider phobia, participants who received AT experienced a significant reduction in fear response compared to those who received no treatment or a placebo. Moreover, a meta-analysis of AT for the treatment of anxiety disorders found that AT was more effective than other treatments, such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy.
Overall, AT is a promising psychotherapy technique for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Its efficacy has been demonstrated in both laboratory and clinical settings, and it has been shown to be more effective than other treatments. As such, AT is a viable option for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias.
References
Barlow, D. H., Allen, L. B., & Choate, M. L. (2004). Applied tension: A novel treatment for spider phobia. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 42(9), 1025-1036.
Hofmann, S. G., & Smits, J. A. (2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(4), 621-632.
Rogers, C. R., & Dymond, R. F. (1954). The description and measurement of clinical phenomena. In C. R. Rogers (Ed.), Clinical diagnosis and psychological treatment (pp. 1-43). New York, NY: Ronald Press.