Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

What does counterconditioning involve?

1. Pairing a strong pleasant stimulus with a weak aversive stimulus

2. Using a negative reinforcer to eliminate unwanted behavior

3. Decreasing a response by removing a positive stimulus

4. Pairing two aversive stimuli to reduce fear

The correct answer is: Pairing a strong pleasant stimulus with a weak aversive stimulus

Counterconditioning involves the process of pairing a strong pleasant stimulus with a previously aversive stimulus to change the response to that aversive stimulus. This therapeutic technique is often used in behavior therapy to help clients overcome fears or phobias by associating the feared object or situation with something positive and enjoyable. For instance, if someone is afraid of dogs, counterconditioning might involve exposing them to a friendly dog while simultaneously providing them with their favorite treat or engaging them in a pleasurable activity. Over time, this association helps to reduce the fear response toward dogs, as the individual learns to connect the animal with positive experiences rather than negative ones. This method is grounded in classical conditioning and is effective in helping individuals modify their emotional responses, making option A the correct choice.