PSYC 501 Flashcards

Question

In vivo vs Imaginal Exposure

Answer 1

What: In vivo exposure involves facing the fear directly in real life and the natural environment. Clients can serve as their own change agents and people in the clients life can be taught how to perform in vivo exposure. Imaginal exposure involves vividly imagining the fear and is useful for events that can not be seen in real life like war, natural disasters and trauma. Where: different exposure therapies When: anxiety, SUD, eating disorders, panic disorder, PTSD. Can be gradual (short period, climb fear hierarchy) or prolonged (long period, high intensity) Why: This is important because both of these types of exposure allow the client to be immersed in their fear and target the anxiety provoking reaction to the fear in a safe environment. EX: You're working with a client that has an intense fear of snakes. After discussing it with the client, you both agree that *in vivo exposure* is the way to go. You instruct the client to handle a snake for increasing amounts of times in the next several sessions as part of the treatment for the phobia.

Answer 2

What: exposure to frequent uncontrollable punishment produces apathy, passivity, and depression. A condition in which a person suffers from a sense of powerlessness, arising from a traumatic event or persistent failure to succeed. Failing to use actions that may be available. Lack of control over environmental things Where: CBT/501 Who: Seligman and Maier When: person learns its helpless in aversive situations that control is lost and so they give up Why: can explain maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors that have led to depression EX: Gina is experiencing depression and is feeling worthless and that there is nothing to live for. Both of her parents died in the same year when she was young and she experienced bullying at a young age. These are a few events she has not had control over but years later is not setting any goals or putting work in to get better. Gina has learned helplessness and it is reinforcing her depression.

Answer 3

What: stresses the difference between the learning of a behavior and actual performance of the behavior. Learning - internal cognitive process requiring attention and retention. Change in ability and potential to do the behavior. Performance - external process that requires reproduction and motivation. Where: concept in behaviorism Who: Tolman showed the difference between learning/performance with his rat study. Rewards seem to affect performance over learning. Rats developed cognitive maps of mazes. When: teaching a behavior and seeing how well a person has retained that information and/or how well they can execute that bx Why: understanding the distinction can help us in using behavior as a positive reinforcer (for depression) for good things, but only if the person is 'performing' this behavior accurately. We need to know if patients learn the skills we teach them, but are they performing them outside the room, in everyday life? EX: Client comes to therapy with issues of self-esteem and anxiety over talking to their peers at work. Therapist teaches client assertiveness and social skills. The therapist is aware of the *learning performance distinction*, and is sure that after modeling behavior himself, the client is given an opportunity to reproduce the new learned behaviors.

Answer 4

What: emphasized acceptance of psychological discomfort and the practice of being fully aware and accepting of the present moment. Observe thoughts and feelings rather than judge them Where: core theme in 3rd generational behavior therapies-ACT, MBCT, DBT Who: ^ used in these therapies When: used in 3rd generation therapies like ACT, DBT and MBCT to help people move towards acceptance, work on goals, create a life worth living and be an observer to your situation and emotions. Why: Goal is not to relax but to foster non judgmental observation of the current state. Teaching / guiding clients with this skill is very helpful in creating self-awareness. Mindfulness can bring attention to present problems and therefore help accept these problems. It seems to be the basis of many modern therapies that have proven effective. EX: Therapist is going to teach **mindfulness** skills to help a pt cope with PTSD symptoms. Pt describes feeling distracted and preoccupied with unpleasant thoughts about the past , (rumination) or the future (worry) . Therapist introduces mindfulness by saying that part of mindfulness is being in touch with the present moment and an aspect of this skill is being an active participant in experiences instead of just "going through the motions."

Answer 5

What: process in social learning theory that occurs through observation of other people's behaviors and consequences. 4 modeling steps: (A,R,R/P, F/M): attentional, retention, reproduction/performance, and feedback/motivation. The types of modeling are symbolic (tv, books) and covert (imagining). Where: part of social learning theory, Vicarious learning - one individual demonstrates behavior and is reinforced/punished for it, another watching the bx is either more/less likely to perform. Who: Albert Bandura (social learning) When: used in self instructional training and when teaching certain skills Why: knowing this concept can help therapists understand how children may pick up on certain habits from parents via modeling and then also how to change them EX: A couple brings their child into therapy due to violent outbursts in school. It was discovered that through the process of *modeling*, the young boy had learned the violent behavior from his father. He learned that violence is the best way to get your way. This served as proper motivation for the behavior to continue.

Answer 6

What: Collaborative, conversational, person-centered counseling style to address ambivalence about change extending from cognitive dissonance theory. Particular attention to language is important as MI is designed to strengthen personal motivation and commitment to a goal by eliciting a person’s own reasons for change. Where: Substance Use Disorders, stages of change (transtheoretical model) When: used especially when the client is feeling ambivalence EX: Danny comes to therapy for his alcohol abuse. He states that “he has fun drinking with his friends and doesn’t want to stop” but his family thinks he has a problem as he just got fired from his job for being drunk. He is reaching a state of ambivalence and through socratic questioning, decisional balance matrix he finds the personal motivation to change and stop drinking “so I can get a job again”

Answer 7

What: removal of something aversive following the behavior, increasing the likelihood the behavior will occur in the future. Includes escape and avoidance = types of negative reinforcement. Where: operant conditioning/behavioral Who: Eric Skinner, operant conditioning When: this is used to increase behavior Why: This is important because it is very relevant in the maintenance of fears, anxiety and phobias as well as the treatment of them. can help explain why patients may be repeating maladaptive behaviors, it is because they have negatively reinforced them and understanding fears/phobias, etc. EX: Erica comes into therapy because she is experiencing extreme social anxiety, she attempts to go to places with her friends but she experiences anxiety when she is there that “no one likes her or wants her there” to avoid this she leaves and goes home. This is negatively reinforcing her avoidance behaviors associated with her social anxiety.

Answer 8

What: any response that is followed by a reinforcing stimulus tends to be repeated, and a reinforcing stimulus is anything that increases operant bx. the use of consequences to modify the occurrence and form of behavior. Bx is strengthened/increased via positive and negative reinforcement - increasing bx by either adding desirable stimulus or removing aversive stimulus. Punishment. Reinforcement = increase bx and punishment = decrease a bx. Where: law of effect, part of behaviorism Who: Eric Skinner When: used when trying to increase or decrease a bx Why: helps us conceptualize depression, anxiety, OCD - all of which are thought to be persistent disorders because the patient is either positively or negatively reinforcing a stimulus, resulting in maladaptive behavior, how we conceptualize the way a bx persists, or stops, can help us better understand our patient and how to approach treatment EX: The schizophrenic pt was very anti-social. In order for the pt to increase his social activities, the therapist instructed staff to only allow the pt to watch TV after he engaged in 30 minutes of social activities. This reward of watching TV (POS. reinforce) increased his social bx indicating *operant conditioning* had been implemented and was successful.

Answer 9

What: The addition of a positive/desirable stimulus following a behavior causing that behavior to increase in frequency. Can be used via contingency management to change bx Where: operant conditioning in behaviorism Who: Eric Skinner When: part of behavioral activation was designed based on positive reinforcement ideas. Why: It is important to understand the maintenance of problem behaviors and behavioral activation was based on this principle. EX: In behavioral activation, a client who is depressed will make a plan to go on a walk every morning to help start their day. After the walk, the client feels a bit more motivated to complete another task. This is positive reinforcement improving depressive symptoms

Answer 10

What: Refers to a process/learning principle by which one attempts to increase the frequency of a particular bx by making the performance of that bx contingent on performing a more frequently occurring bx. Not done simultaneously & High probability behavior must not be occurring so often that it loses its effectiveness in motivating clients to engage in the low-probability behavior. Where: Used in operant conditioning as a reinforcement tactic Who: Premack Why: Therapists can use this tool to make a bx increase by doing something the client enjoys, increasing patients overall wellbeing. EX: If the behavior of a child brushing their teeth is not performed, but they will play on the phone every night before bed, before they play on their phone, they must brush their teeth first.

Answer 11

What: principle of operant conditioning used to decrease a behavior. Positive punishment - adding aversive stimulus to decrease bx. Negative punishment - taking away desirable stimulus to decrease bx. Where: When conditioning behavior; effects are instant and extinction may take hours but it only temporarily suppresses the target bx and does NOT establish a new desirable one. Who: Eric Skinner, operant conditioning When: getting rid of a behavior quickly Why: Knowing the disadvantages of this can help therapists to understand how punishment may bring about aggression and fearfulness. Both of which could result in anxiety or PTSD, especially if punishment is repeated. EX: A parent uses spanking as a form of positive punishment when their child is acting out. This is leading to negative emotional and behavioral consequences in the child. Adding the aversive stimulus to the situation after maladaptive behavior is performed

Answer 12

What: a method used in behavioral management in which individuals keep a record of their behavior (e.g., time spent, form and place of occurrence, feelings during performance), especially in connection with efforts to change or control the self. Where: used in all kinds of therapy Why: Self monitoring, like direct observation, is subject to reactivity of monitoring in that a person may decrease an undesired behavior unconsciously when they start monitoring that behavior. Those with high self monitoring capabilities are able to alter their behavior to fit a wide variety of situations yet those with low self monitoring are more consistent across situations. EX: Melanie came to therapy presenting symptoms of OCD - she was frequently washing her hands and it had come to severely disrupt her personal, professional, & social life. The therapist asked Melanie to keep a diary and self-monitor her bx, keeping track of how many times she washed her hands and how long it took for her to complete these behaviors. This would help the therapist get a better picture of her compulsions.

Answer 13

What: the three way interaction between the person, behavior and environment. All 3 influence one another. the person, behavior, and environment all influence and are influenced by one another. Our behaviors are not rigidly controlled by external forces. We can change or create the factors that influence our behaviors. Where: key concept in social learning theory Who: Albert Bandura, modeling Why: great way to explain to clients how their lives are influenced by the environment and the bx they perform EX: Chris comes to therapy because he has low self-esteem from a recent rejection of a job. During psychoeducation, the therapist informs Chris the relationship between thoughts, environment and his behavior. The therapist suggests that he applies to other jobs and change his environment, which will influence his thoughts about his self-esteem and will decrease his depressive feelings

Answer 14

What: Fixed Ratio: bx rewarded after successful performed a specific number of times (think of an restaurant punch card) Fixed Interval: bx is reinforced after it is successfully performed in a specific amount of time (think of a paycheck) Variable ratio: bx reinforced after bx is performed a random and varying number of times, no predictability (think gambling) Variable Interval: bx reinforced after bx is performed a random and varying number of times Continuous Reinforcement: bx is reinforced every time it occurs, (useful when first learning it) Who: Eric Skinner When: want to schedule times where the bx is performed Why: Teaching children proper behavior, ABA therapy EX: FR: A child must answer five questions in the classroom before getting a piece of candy. FI: a child receives access to a preferred toy after they engage in a non preferred task for x amount of time (2 min), You have a child with ADHD and if he stays in his seat for 5 min, he receives access to preferred toy. VR: Random drug test for a client in a substance use recovery program? VI: CRF: Really important when the client is learning, but not great at maintaining this schedule.

Answer 15

What: an individual’s subjective perception of their capability to perform in a given setting or to attain desired results. Modeling and behavior therapy can strengthen self-efficacy. Acquisition and performance to change it Who: Albert Bandura, cognitive affective theory and self efficacy theory Why: a primary determinant of emotional and motivational states and behavioral change. How a client feels about themselves will affect how they improve in therapy EX: Client seeks treatment because his lack of social skills was affecting his job performance. He never thought he would be successful at it (outcome expectation) so he stopped trying to talk to his supervisors/coworkers and now he may lose his job. Therapist used vicarious experience (he watched models talking to "supervisors") as well as Actual Performance (role playing with the therapist) to build his self-efficacy surrounding his social skills.

Answer 16

What: part of operant conditioning; used to establish a new behavior not in the client's repertoire. Each approximation of the behavior is reinforced Done by dividing bx at hand into a series of smaller steps Reinforce for bxs that are more and more similar to desired bx Eventually person only reinforced for desired bx" Where: operant conditioning When: usually used with ABA therapy Why: establishes complex behaviors for the client EX: Let's say Johnny has social anxiety. You are trying to get him ready to give a speech in front of the classroom. Given that Johnny is shy, he wouldn't be able to give a speech right away. So, instead of promising Johnny some reward for giving a speech, *shaping* can be used and rewards should be given to behaviors that come close. Like, giving him a reward when he stands in front of the class. And then when he goes in front of the class and says hello. Then, when he can read a passage from a book

Answer 17

What: component of behavior therapy. Treatment packages to teach a client if they have one of 4 deficiencies - (K, P, D, M): knowledge, proficiency, discrimination, and motivation. Specific maladaptive skills necessary for daily function. Grounded in CBT. Main focus is to improve social functioning/social skill deficit that have resulted in pathology. Where: Behavioral therapy, modeling, can be used in CBT . Basic assumption is that pathology comes from ineffective social behavior/problem solving that yields negative consequences and self defeating patterns of behavior. When: Behavioral therapy, modeling, can be used in CBT Why: main focus = to improve social skill deficit that has created pathology = treatment. Goal - generalization of skills training taught to be used in real life EX: A 14 yo enters therapy because he doesn't have any friends his age. He usually interacts with children 5 years younger than him. He has trouble engaging in simple conversations with his peers. Sherman begins social skills training in which the therapist provides rationale for certain skills and then models these skills for Sherman. Sherman then rehearses the skill with the therapist (role-play) , and after becoming proficient in that, his homework is to apply the skill with his peers. The training focused on asking appropriate questions, maintaining appropriate eye contact, and acting in a warm & friendly manner.

Answer 18

What: a form of gradual and imaginal exposure therapy using progressive muscle relaxation and counterconditioning. The client imagines successively more anxiety-arousing situations while engaging in a behavior that competes with anxiety When: Exposure therapy Why: The client has a lot of control over the process, it is efficient and effective. The goal of this is to reduce and eliminate the anxiety associated with a particular stimulus. EX: Grace comes to therapy for a fear of elevators. With her therapist, they will create a fear hierarchy and learn relaxation techniques. Then the client will imagine the fearful situations while engaging in the relaxation to compete with the anxiety.

Answer 19

What: standard treatment package; system that employs the principles of operant conditioning to motivate clients to avoid undesirable bx and perform desirable bx. Participants revise tokens for performing desired bx that can be used to purchase goods or privileges. Where: Behavior Therapy When: usually used when teaching children certain behaviors, behavior therapy Why: important bc use with child clients or people with autism in ABA therapy. Advantage -convenient, organized, and fair. Disadvantages - costly, demeaning, bribery claims. EX: At the treatment center, if the recovering alcoholic attends an AA meeting every day, he receives a token at the end of the week and he can use it to be exempted from clean-up duty. This is an example of a token economy with an individual contingency. The backup reinforcer is able to skip out on clean-up duty.