Contrary to a prediction from counterconditioning theory, forced, graduated exposure was less effective in reducing feat than forced, non-graduated exposure. This finding was interpreted to reflect a generalization decrement in the effect of graduated exposure resulting from exposure to conditions similar to, but not the same as, those present during the acquisition of fear. It was suggested, however, that this decrement would be offset during free exposure where, in contrast to forced exposure, a graduated procedure would result in a greater amount of exposure than a non-graduated procedure.
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