What is the expected outcome of using an exposure hierarchy in treatment?

• A. It has no effect on anxiety.
• B. It increases avoidance.
• C. It reduces avoidance by gradually exposing to feared stimuli, leading to habituation.
• D. It eliminates anxiety instantly.

Answer: (C)

Exposure hierarchy uses a graded plan to confront feared situations, starting with mild triggers and gradually moving to more challenging ones. This sustained, safe exposure helps the nervous system relearn that the feared outcomes are unlikely or manageable, so anxiety when facing those cues decreases over time—a process called habituation. As anxiety drops with repeated exposure, avoidance behavior also diminishes because the person learns they can cope and tolerate the feared stimuli. It's a gradual improvement, not an instant elimination of anxiety.