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Psychological Intervention in Civilian Flying Phobia

Evaluation and a Three-Year Follow-Up

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

C. P. Walder ,
J. S. McCracken ,
M. Herbert ,
P. T. James  and
N. Brewitt
C. P. Walder
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry
J. S. McCracken*
Affiliation:
Department of Community Health, Department of General Practice
M. Herbert
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry; The University, Nottingham
P. T. James
Affiliation:
St Ann's Hospital, Nottingham, The Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne
N. Brewitt
Affiliation:
European Operations, British Midland Airways, Manx Airline, Isle of Man
*
The University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 2UH
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Extract

Thirty-eight people with a moderate to severe degree of aerophobia self-referred themselves to a course designed to help them travel by air. The course involved three long sessions based on giving information, graded exposure without avoidance, and group support with natural coping models. Measures of self-reported anxiety levels were taken at regular intervals. The results showed that being given information or undergoing a simulated flight had little effect on perceived anxiety. Prolonged exposure to flying had a marked effect on reducing anxiety and anticipated apprehension about future flying. At one-year and three-year follow-up, 40% and 60% of participants had flown commercially, although there was some minor restoration of anticipated anxiety associated with flying; 84% showed less anxiety about flying. Psychological intervention, in collaboration with airlines, may have marked benefits in reducing fear of flying.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 151 , Issue 4 , October 1987 , pp. 494 - 498
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1987 

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