Reducing Fear of the Laboratory Rat: A Participant Modeling Approach

Abstract

A participant modeling technique was used in the classroom to reduce students' fear of a laboratory rat. Introductory psychology students received a mild level of exposure (holding the rat's transparent transport box) and witnessed peer volunteers actually handling the animal. These procedures were effective in reducing fear as measured by a validated fear questionnaire in a pretest—posttest design. Even the mild exposure reduced fear significantly. Fear reduction was greater for the volunteers. Women were initially more fearful, but their fear reduction was equal to that of men.