reframing paradox

Question 1

two distinct interventions

Answer 1

-Paradoxical interventions spark strong opinions from theorists and practitioners alike, often labeled as “manipulative” or “unethical” (Whan, 1983; Foreman, 1990). This PowerPoint makes the argument that there are manipulative examples of paradoxical intervention; however, other examples of paradox exemplify directness, honesty, and balance.

Question 2

explain reactance

Answer 2

Reactance theory makes up the theoretical basis of SSA (MacDonald et al., 2011). Reactance theory according to Brehm (Brehm, 1966) states that individuals are motivated to maintain freedoms. Reactance is activated in individuals only when they perceive a threat to their freedoms.

Question 3

explain occurs on a spectrum

Answer 3

When an individual (like a therapist, for example) encourages or discourages a course of action, this prescription motivates the client to assert and reclaim his or her autonomy and freedoms.
-Applies to some completely, a little for some, and others are not motivated this way.
-Ex. Some people might not want to push against the therapist so this intervention might not work for some

Question 4

-explain how self anti conformity is reverse psychology

Answer 4

• “Reverse psychology” is a form of persuasion, based on strategic self-anticonformity theory (SSA; MacDonald, Nail, & Harper, 2011). SSA is a technique used to obtain compliance, “when an influence source knows to expect contradiction, negativity, or disagreeableness from an influence target” (p. 2).
  -The oppositional patient

Question 5

differentiate between the two kinds of paradox

Answer 5

Directional paradox, which refers to intervention intended to activate reactance (Brehm, 1966) and includes a therapist-driven outcome, from what we refer to as Non-Directional Paradox, which will refer to intervention that does not activate reactance.

Ex. Person anxious about exam, therapist has person go into exam and think of all the ways they can mess up on the exam, when they are doing this they think this is nutty and they go in opposition of the therapist, directional paradox is pushing them away from the anxiety and having them focus on the exam

Question 6

is the therapist trying to move a client in any direction

Answer 6

Therapist is not trying to move the client in any particular direction
-Non-Directional Paradoxical interventions flow from a foundation in systemic principles and the therapist clearly articulating an impasse to client(s), without an idea of what is the “best” outcome or the “correct” outcome.
-Telling both parties they are right

Question 7

-explain fully non-directional paradox

Answer 7

-Involves the recognition of an impasse in which traditional interventions have produced no change.
-Non-Directional Paradox is offered when the dilemma facing the client (or system) is understandable from two or more perspectives and that dilemma is expressed back to the client(s).

Question 8

is one kind of paradox better?

Answer 8

-Some people greatly benefit from Directive Paradox, when they are either quite oppositional, or they see the humor in their situation.
-Non-Directional Paradox highlights a clinical impasse and returns power and respect to those caught in this dilemma.