ABSTRACT
Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of participant modeling in the treatment of fears and phobias. Bandura suggested that participant modeling is effective because it provides individuals with experiences that enhance their perceptions of self-efficacy. Students understand that participant modeling can be used in a variety of anxiety provoking situations. The concept of participant modeling and its broad applications are easy for students to understand and appreciate. Students should realize that those who participated were probably not phobic. These students, therefore, were not representative of clients who enter treatment for phobias. Systematic desensitization (SD) is a common topic covered in general, abnormal, and clinical or counseling psychology courses. Moreover, students appreciate the ethical principles of the American Psychological Association. Fact that it is entertaining and that it goes beyond what they would get from the text or a typical lecture.
