What was the main aim of the Saavedra study?

The main aim of the Saavedra study was to treat a specific phobia related to buttons, specifically the case of a boy who had a strong fear of buttons (a phobia known as "koumpounophobia"). This study focused on understanding the nature of the phobia and implementing a treatment strategy through exposure therapy. The researchers aimed to see if systematic desensitization, a form of behavioral therapy, could help the participant gradually confront and reduce his fear of buttons. By directly addressing this specific phobia, the study not only provided insights into the nature of phobias but also demonstrated the effectiveness of behavioral interventions.

The other options, while related to themes in psychology, do not accurately reflect the singular focus of the study. The exploration of phobia development or comparisons of fears among different objects are broader themes and not the central aim of Saavedra's work, which was specifically targeting the phobia associated with buttons.