Systematic desensitization involves the use of

A) aversive conditioning.
B) free association.
C) unconditional positive regard.
D) progressive relaxation.

Systematic desensitization involves progressive relaxation, where the individual is taught to relax in a step-by-step process while gradually being exposed to a feared object or situation. Aversive conditioning involves associating a negative stimulus with an undesirable behavior in order to decrease that behavior, free association is a technique used in psychoanalysis to explore the unconscious mind, and unconditional positive regard is an approach used in therapy that involves accepting and supporting the client without judgment.