behavioural stuff Flashcards
overview
Behaviourists believe that our actions are determined largely by the experiences we have in life, rather than by underlying pathology of unconscious forces. Abnormality is therefore seen as the development of behavior patterns that are considered maladaptive (i.e. harmful) for the individual.
The emphasis of the behavioral approach is on the environment and how abnormal behavior is acquired, through classical conditioning, operant conditioning and social learning.
operant conditioning
Skinner explained how our behaviour is influenced by the consequences of our actions. We learn at an early age which of out actions are rewarded and which are punished. So the more rewarded something is, the more likely it will be repeated. Skinner identified three types of responses or operant that can follow behaviour.
Neutral operants: responses from the environment that neither increase nor decrease the probability of a behaviour being repeated.
Reinforcers: Responses from the environment that increase the probability of a behaviour being repeated. Reinforcers can be either positive or negative.
Punishers: Responses from the environment that decrease the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated. Punishment weakens behaviour.
systematic desensitisation evaluation
One weakness of systematic desensitization is that it relies on the client’s ability to be able to imagine the fearful situation. Some people cannot do this
Studies have shown that neither relaxation nor hierarchies are necessary, and that the important factor is just exposure to the feared object or situation.
it is a slow process. Although, research suggests that the longer the technique takes the more effective it is.
Systematic desensitization is not effective in treating serious mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia.
it only treats the symptoms of the disorder, not the underlying cause.some psychiatrists argue that it will create another phobia if it works.
