Effects of participant modeling on information acquisition and skill utilization

Avigdor Klingman, Barbara G. Malamed, Marjorie I. Cuthberg, David A. Hermecz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Assessed the contribution of active participant modeling in coping skills training by evaluating 2 critical process variables: the retention of information about the threatening events and how to cope with them, and the visceral component of imaginal rehearsal. 38 8-13 yr old children, highly fearful of dentists (the Dental subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule), were shown a videotape of 2 children practicing controlled respiration and imagery techniques while undergoing dental treatment. The participant modeling group was encouraged to practice these as they watched the film, whereas the symbolic modeling group was told that this might help them during their own dental treatment, which immediately followed videotape preparation. Ss who had the active participant instructions obtained more information from the videotape, reported greater reduction in dental anxiety, and showed lower respiratory rates as they watched the videotape. They reported greater use of imagery techniques and enhanced self-control. The degree of disruptiveness was significantly lower during subsequent actual dental treatment in Ss from the active practice group. (33 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)414-422
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
Volume52
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1984

Keywords

  • coping skills &
  • dental anxiety, 8-13 yr olds
  • videotape with active participant vs symbolic modeling, information acquisition &

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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