Glover Flashcards
What does the learning approach assume about behaviors?
All behaviors, except the most basic reflexes, are learned and can be unlearned.
What is covert sensitisation?
A technique using classical conditioning to create unpleasant associations with a behavior to stop it.
What type of behaviors can covert sensitisation be used for?
Behaviors such as stealing, gambling, or fire-starting.
What is paired with the target behavior in covert sensitisation?
Disturbing images that create unpleasant feelings.
What are examples of unconditioned stimuli in covert sensitisation?
Disturbing images.
What unconditioned responses can be triggered by disturbing images?
Feelings such as disgust or shame.
In covert sensitisation, what happens if a strong enough association is formed?
Thoughts of the target behavior will trigger negative feelings that override the urge to enact the behavior.
Who conducted research relevant to covert sensitisation?
Glover (1985).
What was the age and marital status of the client in the case history?
56-year-old married woman.
How long had the client been stealing?
Every day for 14 years.
What event preceded the client’s stealing behavior?
Her husband was found guilty of embezzlement.
What impact did her husband’s actions have on her life?
She took on extra work to support them and lost previous friendships.
Where did the client primarily steal from?
Supermarkets on her lunch break.
What did the client describe her urges to steal as?
Overwhelming.
What did the client wish to stop her stealing behavior?
To be ‘chained to a wall’.
Fill in the blank: The client stole items for which she had no _______.
[need].
True or False: The client had been prescribed antidepressants over the years.
True.
One example items she stol
Baby shoes
What therapy sessions did the woman attend?
Four covert sensitisation sessions, once every two weeks
Covert sensitisation is a behavioral therapy technique that involves associating an undesirable behavior with unpleasant imagery.
What imagery did the therapist encourage the woman to use?
Imagining herself vomiting when approaching items to steal
This technique is used to create a negative association with the act of stealing.
What was the purpose of using muscle-relaxing medication in the first two sessions?
To help her fully immerse herself in the imagery
Muscle relaxation can enhance the effectiveness of visualization techniques.
What technique did the woman use in the last two sessions to enhance her visualizations?
Self-hypnosis
Self-hypnosis can increase the vividness and effectiveness of mental imagery.
What advice did the therapist give her regarding shopping?
Never shop without a strict shopping list and leave the bag used for stealing at home
These strategies are aimed at reducing temptation and impulse to steal.
What was the frequency of follow-up sessions after the initial treatment period?
Once every three months
Follow-up sessions are important for reassessing progress and making necessary adjustments to treatment.
What progress was reported after four sessions over two months?
Preoccupation with stealing and urges to steal were reduced; she stole on two occasions
This reflects significant improvement compared to her previous daily stealing.
What was the outcome at the nine-month follow-up?
She stole a bar of soap, which did not relieve tension as it once did
This indicates a change in her relationship with stealing, showing progress in therapy.
What was reported at the nineteen-month follow-up?
No further relapses; she was more cheerful, confident, and outgoing
The therapy not only reduced stealing behaviors but also improved overall quality of life.
What coping mechanism did she develop when thinking about stealing?
Feeling unwell but relieved by walking away from tempting items
This shows the development of healthier coping strategies in response to urges.
