Verbal Satiation: Notes on Procedure, with Speculations on Its Mechanism of Effect

Abstract

The use of repetitive verbalization of deviant sexual fantasies to reduce deviant sexual arousal is the focus of this article. The similarity of the described procedure to other techniques designed to suppress or eliminate a wide range of undesirable behaviors is noted. Verbal satiation is quite similar to masturbatory satiation and the differences are compared. The verbal satiation technique is described, along with suggestions for improving its efficacy. The mechanism of effect is discussed, with emphasis on conditioned inhibition as the best explanation. Verbal satiation is compared to three types of aversive conditioning procedures to show that its operation and effects more closely resemble traditional satiation techniques. Maintenance of treatment effects in behavior therapy are discussed It is concluded that, given its simplicity and the strong support for satiation techniques in the behavior therapy literature, verbal satiation to reduce deviant sexual arousal should be given a more extensive empirical evaluation.