Behavior Therapy

PSY 571 - INTRODUCTION TO INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY
Spring, 2006
Monday, 5:30-8:30 pm
Brooke J. Cannon, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology,
Director of Clinical Training, Psy.D. Program
Marywood University
click here to e-mail
Website: www.brookecannon.com

BEHAVIOR THERAPY

Common Characteristics Among Behavioral Approaches

Problem analysis into components or subparts
Individually tailored treatment strategies
Insight neither sufficient nor necessary for success
“Problems of living”
Abnormal behavior acquired and maintained same as normal behavior
Current determinants of behavior, not hx
Specificity
Scientific approach
Measurable outcomes
Replication

Wolpe

Systematic desensitization
Anxiety as cause of all neurotic reactions
Persistent response of autonomic nervous system acquired via classical conditioning

Eysenck

Behavior therapy as applied science
Testable
Introversion/extroversion
Introverts more responsive to conditioning than extroverts

Skinner

Applied Behavior Analysis
Behavior is a function of its consequences
Focus on Operant Conditioning
Reinforcement
Positive
Negative
Punishment
Extinction

Classical Conditioning

Mowrer’s 2-Factor Theory

Initial fear is classically conditioned
Fear is maintained through operant conditioning - avoidance

Getting Inside the Black Box

Classical conditioning
S-R model + intervening variables and hypothetical constructs
Covert processes follow same learning principles as overt behavior

Social-Cognitive Theory

Bandura
Cognitive mediational processes
Person is agent of change
Person’s interpretation of experience, not experience itself
Social learning theory
Vicarious learning (modeling)
Self-regulatory mechanisms

Assessment in Behavior Therapy

How
When
Where
What
What’s missing?

Guided imagery
Physiological recordings
Self-monitoring
Behavioral observation
Rating scales
Checklists
Techniques
Cognitive restructuring
Social skills training

Techniques

Assertiveness
Self-control procedures
May use aversion
Stimulus control

e.g., for insomnia

Real-life performance based techniques

Token economy

Systematic desensitization
Flooding
Biofeedback
Progressive muscle relaxation
Visual imagery