Behavioral Theory
Q1. Name and brief description of key figure (s)
Behavioral therapy is primarily associated with the figures of Ivan Palov and B.F. Skinner. In contrast to psychoanalytic therapy, which focuses on the internal, interior life of the client, behavioral therapy is focused upon externally directed, observable behavior. Skinner attempted to transform the evolving discipline of psychology into a true, observable science which could be tested with controllable variables. Behavioral therapy primarily can be characterized by three dominant approaches. First is classical conditioning, which was pioneered by Pavlov and involved conditioning a natural response to an object that otherwise would not bring forth that behavior (i.e., salivating at the sound of a dinner bell). Secondly, Skinners operant condition involved using a system of rewards and punishments to encourage highly specific behaviors. Finally, cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used today to address issues spanning from depression to eating disorders by identifying nonproductive behaviors to replace them with more productive ones.
Q2. Key Points.
a. Classical conditioning involves creating an association between an unconditioned stimulus and a naturally occurring response.
b. Classical extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus (for example, if a bell is constantly rung without the dog being presented with food, the dog will cease to salivate at the sound of a bell).
c. Operant conditioning involves shaping behaviors with a series of rewards and punishments. Reinforcement is best achieved initially with continuous reinforcement, which can then be switched to schedules of partial or intermittent reinforcement. As with classical conditioning, extinction is achieved through withdrawal of reinforcement.
d. Primary reinforcers in operant conditioning refer to stimuli which are naturally reinforcing, such as food. Secondary reinforcers refer to stimuli such as tokens, which may be used in behavioral conditioning such as when children are given tokens for behaving in a positive manner. In this token economy, the subjects can then exchange secondary reinforcers for primary reinforcers such as...
…to measure them. Behavioral reinforcers and goals are likewise established. As can be seen from this structure, the counselor is very much in the drivers seat of the counseling process, and punishment as well as support and reward are structured within the assumptions of therapy.Q6. Personal Reaction to Theory
I find this behavioral approach very potentially problematic and possibly open to overreliance upon punishment. In some specific instances, such as smoking cessation or extinguishing obsessive behaviors, I can see that it might have some value, with the agreement of the client. But for minor clients, the use of reinforcers can just make the child angry and confused. There is an underlying presumption that the client is largely in control of the problematic behaviors at all times, even though behavioral therapists admit that clients often had very little control over the initial experiences which resulted in the adaptation of the negative coping mechanisms. There is also very little allowance for genetic influences beyond the clients…
REFERENCES
Stoll, J. & Brooks, J. (n.d). Behavioral therapy.
Therapy Techniques Case Behavioral therapy techniques can help to analyze eating and activity patterns, dieting methods and habits, and analyze behaviors that cause stress (Behavioral Therapy Techniques and Other Therapies for Treating Behavioral Problems). By identifying the eating and activity patterns, dieting methods and habits, and analyzing behaviors that cause stress, it helps to understand what is causing these issues and helps to formulate a plan to overcome them. Once the underlying
Behavioral therapy has its roots in basic behaviorism, the principle that human behavior can be modified through systematic training or interventions. Since B.F. Skinner first laid the foundations for behaviorism through experimentation, the methods used in behavioral therapy have changed dramatically. Behavioral therapy, or behavior therapy, is not one but a variety of approaches that psychological counselors use to help clients change their behaviors. The Centers for Disease Control and
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Review Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a form of behavior therapy aimed at treating various different disorders, most commonly major depressive disorder. It developed from an interaction between cognitive therapy and behavior therapy, which is known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It adds the component of mindfulness, which is more than simply changing what a person perceives, but how those perceptions are made. The goal of MBCT
Problem Solving: There are times when the patient can find himself in a situation, which may present problems for the recovering alcoholic. For this reason, these patients are taught a series of techniques to determine the correct solution of a given problem. The training involves a number of simulated scenarios and the patient is made to come up with moral solution to resolve the situation. This may involve the patient
The primary difference between the two however, is gestalt therapy concentrates more on the ability of the individual to make proper choices regarding their care. This theory or approach to therapy reminds the client of the connection between mind, body and spirit. The behavior approach is less concerned with the paradigm of holistic health, and more concerned with a therapist-driven approach to identifying problems and selecting appropriate solutions. In this
The therapist encourages openness and honesty on the part of the patient. This parent-like role gives the therapist the power to influence the patient positively, and to interpret his self-defeating behavior and distorted beliefs about reality. The patient must be able and willing to profit from it. Since offenders are assumed to suffer from denial, lack of motivation to change, and unwillingness to cooperate with voluntary treatment, individual psychotherapy
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now