How was the child in the Saavedra study encouraged to show less fear?

In the Saavedra study, the child was encouraged to show less fear primarily through the use of rewards associated with handling buttons, which were the objects of his fear. This behavioral approach, rooted in principles of operant conditioning, involves reinforcing positive behavior with rewards to gradually reduce anxiety towards the feared object.

The strategy employed was effective because it not only helped the child confront the buttons in a controlled manner but also motivated him to engage with them more freely due to the positive reinforcement provided. This method contrasts with other therapeutic approaches like group therapy or medication that may not focus as directly on reinforcement for specific behaviors or might not involve direct interaction with the feared object in the same way. Thus, the approach emphasized building the child's confidence and reducing fear incrementally through rewarding experiences.