Behavioral theory Flashcards
Understand the concepts of behavioural theory
1
Q
What is the view of human nature in behaviour theory?
A
- Rejects the deterministic view that humans are not a mere product of their sociocultural conditioning
- Embraces a systematic and scientific view
- Belief that a person is a producer and a product of their environment
2
Q
What does Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning entail?
A
- refers to what happens prior to learning that creates a response through pairing
- involves sensitisation or systematic desensitisation by reciprocal inhibition
- E.g. develop an intense fear of flying without having a frigtening experience personally
3
Q
What does Skinner’s Operant Conditioning entail?
A
- involves a type of learning in which behaviours are influenced mainly by the consequences that follow them
- Modelling: Learning through observation, indirectly learnt through other’s people’s experience of response and consequences.
- Environmental conditioning: learning takes place in a social context
4
Q
What are the key characteristics of behaviour theory?
A
- based on principles of the scientific method - treatment goals are clearly defined
- not limited to observable and overt actions, but also studies the person’s internal processes (e.g. cognitions, emotions)
- Belief that overcoming debilitating behaviours that restrict choices would allow people to be freer in selecting possibilities that were previously not available –> increases individual freedom
- Strong emphasis on present functioning and current problems rather than historical determinants
- Clients assume an active role by engaging in specific actions towards their problems
5
Q
What are the therapeutic goals of behavioural theory?
A
- to increase personal choice and create new conditions for learning
- help clients maintain changes over time and acquire behavioural and cognitive coping skills to prevent relapses
6
Q
what model do they employ?
What is the therapist’s function and role in behavioural theory?
A
- function as consultants and problem-solvers
- behavioural assessment (ABC model) - identify the particular Antecedent and Consequences that influence or relate to the client’s Behaviour
- conduct follow-up assessments to see whether the changes are durable over time
7
Q
What are some therapeutic techniques in behaviour theory?
A
- progressive muscle relaxation
- systematic desensitisation
- classical conditioning: exposure therapy
- operant conditioning: token economies
- Assertion training/social skills training
- self-management programs and self-directed behaviour
- multi-modal therapy
- mindfulness
8
Q
Related to Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning
What is flooding/exposure therapy? How does it work?
A
- flooding is prolonged exposure of a client to continuous fear producing stimuli of relatively high intensity
- flooding weakens fear as client associates fear-inducing stimuli with feelings of relaxation
- It is used for classically conditioned OCD, simple phobias, anxiety
9
Q
What is assertion training?
A
- To empower actively to carry out desired choices and behaviours
- To teach clients alternatives to passive helpless, dependent and stifled ways of dealing with life situations.
- Use of role playing, modelling, etc.
10
Q
Related to Skinner’s Operant Conditioning
What are token economies? How does it work?
A
- tokens are used as pleasurable reinforcements for desired behaviour
- negative, unpleasant conditions (i.e. positive punishment) are used to associate with unwanted behaviours
- tokens can be exchanged for desired items or privileges
- Mental reinforcements and social reinforcements to be paired with tokens and eventually replacing tokens
11
Q
What are strengths of behaviour theory?
A
- it can shift client’s negative behaviours to positive ones by learning new coping strategies
- structured approach
12
Q
What are limitations of behaviour theory?
A
- treats symptoms, not causes (may not address underlying issues contributing to the problem)
- neglects the affective aspect
