Which characteristic is NOT associated with systematic desensitization?

Systematic desensitization is a therapeutic technique primarily used to help individuals overcome phobias and anxiety disorders by gradually exposing them to anxiety-producing stimuli while teaching them to maintain a relaxed state. The procedure involves a few key components.

Gradual exposure to anxiety triggers is fundamental to systematic desensitization, as this process allows clients to face their fears in a controlled and systematic manner, helping them to reduce their anxiety over time. The aim is to desensitize the individual to the stimulus that induces anxiety.

The creation of a relaxed state is also a critical aspect of this technique. Clients are often taught relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, which are employed before and during exposure to anxiety-provoking scenarios. This pairing of relaxation with anxiety triggers helps the individual to manage their response to the fear-inducing stimuli.

Response prevention techniques, while not exclusive to systematic desensitization, can be part of the treatment in certain contexts. However, they are more commonly associated with exposure therapy in general, particularly when dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In contrast, the use of token rewards for exposure does not align with the principles of systematic desensitization. This technique focuses more on the relaxation and gradual exposure process rather than employing