Covert modeling, model similarity, and reduction of avoidance behavior

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of covert modeling in reducing snake avoidance. Covert modeling requires the subject to imagine a model rather than to observe a live or film model. Similarity of the covert model to the avoidant subject was examined in a 2×2 design combining two levels of fear-irrelevant model similarity (model of same age and sex as the subject versus model who was much older and of opposite sex) and fear-relevant model similarity (coping versus mastery model). In two sessions, subjects imagined scenes in which the covert model interacted with the feared stimulus. A no-model control group, which imagined fear-related scenes in the absence of a model, was included in the design. Fear-irrelevant similarity contributed reliably to avoidance reduction. A behavioral measure of avoidance and self-report measures of affect and attitudes indicated that imagination of a model similar in age and same sexed led to greater changes than a model dissimilar on these dimensions. Fear-relevant similarity led to few reliable changes in avoidance. The greatest vicarious learning tended to occur in subjects who imagined a model similar in fear-related and nonfear-related dimensions. The results were found at posttreatment and at a 2- to 3-week follow-up.