Behavior Therapy Theory - Report Example

Running Head: Behavior Therapy Theory A Paper on Behavior Therapy Theory In APA Style Introduction The behavior of a person can be considered as one of the important subject in the field of science due to the importance in different applications such as in mental treatments and interventions and even in the field of education. An important concept to be able to grasp, analyze and understand the behavior of a person is through the view presented by the behavior therapy theory. The behavior therapy is a means of analyzing the patterns and variations on the behaviors of a person. It can be considered as a method of psychotherapy which is mainly rooted on different theories that are based on the behavior patterns namely classical conditioning, operant conditioning and social learning. The main objectives of the study then are based on the definition of the behavior therapy theory on application as intervention on different types and forms of psychopathology e.g. depression, phobias, etc (Skinner, 1974; Spiegler and Guevremont, 2003). The Behavior Therapy Theory The behavior therapy theory is based on the concept of behaviorism which can be defined as the attention to the significance of the expressed behaviors of a person. It can be undertaken to target anxiety, to alter negative actions e.g. smoking, nail biting, overeating, etc, or to cure depression, obsession or substance abuse. The said actions can be cured through targeting the behavior of a person (Spiegler and Guevremont, 2003). Components of Behavior Theory The behavior of a person can be classified into two categories which are the overt and covert behaviors. Overt behaviors are explicitly perceived while the covert are seen on the basis of consequential overt behavior. These types of behaviors are the main focus of the study of behaviorism. Also, the behavior therapy is based on the development of the person on the basis that can be classified on the basis of classical conditioning, operant conditioning and social learning. The classical conditioning is one of the means wherein a habit is developed. The examples of the said habits can be attributed to certain feelings or reactions such as fear. Based on the study presented by John Watson which is expressed on the basis of methodical behaviorism the fact that psychology cannot deal with the covert traits in the mental aspects it is important to focus on the overt aspects of the behaviors. For example, an overt behavior of smiling can express a covert behavior of delight (Watson, 1913). Based on the study presented by on of the proponents of the theory, Burrhus Frederic Skinner, the actions or behaviors that are expressed are often triggered by a form of stimulus which is referred to as reinforcing stimulus or reinforcer. On the basis of his model of operant conditioning, the reaction of the organism can result to an action which is the consequence of the operant or the stimulus. For that matter, it was concluded that the action of an organism depends on the intensity and nature of the stimulus. If the stimulus is a punishment by nature, the action is prevented but if it is in the form of a reward the action or behavior is reinforced causing the organism to repeat the action. His work is often referred to as radical behaviorism (Skinner, 1974). Skinner’s theory is mainly based on operant conditioning which is based on the reinforcement of a response. This means that the reinforcement defines the reaction of the organism. For that matter, the action is not solely based on the stimulus although the importance and role of such is identified. Based on the scenarios presented by other theories on the basis of stimulus then, any components of the surroundings can be considered to affect the behavior of the person. For that matter, another basis of the behavior therapy is the social learning theory. This is based on the fact that people interact with one another. The behavior of others can influence another person’s behavior. Based on the study presented by the early advocates of behaviorism, the behavioral model which is one of the bases of the behavioral therapy theory had been established. The behavioral model is based on the modes of behaviors namely the overt behaviors and the forms of covert behaviors which are cognitions, emotions and physiological responses (Spiegler and Guevremont, 2003). Due to the fact that the behavior therapy is mainly based on the psychological aspects of a person the main causes and consequences are targeted. One of the contemporary models of behavior therapy is presented by Spiegler and Guevremont, which is referred to as the ABC model of behavioral therapy. It is mainly based on antecedents, behavior and consequences. ANTECEDENTS Sets conditions for BEHAVIOR Influences Results in CONSEQUENCES Source: (Spiegler and Guevremont, 2003) Figure 1. The ABC Behavioral Model. The model represents one of the ways for application in behavioral therapy. The antecedents are composed of prerequisites and stimulus control. These enable the occurrence of the behavior. To be able to alter bad habits, the sources of such habits are commonly altered thus the resulting behavior is prevented or changed. The consequences on the other hand determine the repetition of the action. An example of the said concept can be related to the repetitive habit of substance abuse which can be attributed to the fact that it can make a person forget a reality that can be stressful (Spiegler and Guevremont, 2003). Upon presentation of the different concepts that comprise the behavior therapy theory, the medical applications can be considered as the most important aspect. The Interventions and Treatments Included in the study of the behavior therapy are the different interventions and processes undertaken recognized under psychotherapy. There are different known applications of the behavioral therapy which includes pain cure, areas in psychology and different forms of habits. One of the procedures is the rational emotive behavior therapy which focuses on the cognitions, emotions and the interaction behavior with the reciprocal cause-and-effect relationship. Based on the said theory, the conditions of the patients can be cured through the reorganization of a person’s view that can ultimately affect behaviors. This can be undertaken through the education of the client by first identifying irrational beliefs and applying rational cognitions that can eliminate different forms of false beliefs (Spiegler and Guevremont, 2003; Wells, 2000). Another application of the behavior therapy is to eliminate chronic pain which can be considered as a psychological attributed of acute pain. This can occur after a medical procedure or a trauma or injury. This can be attributed to the fact that the body can consistently feel pain even after the physical effect of the trauma or injury had healed (Spiegler and Guevremont, 2003; Wells, 2000). One of the examples is post-operative applications of behavior therapy in patients that had undergone cardiovascular procedures. The behavior therapy is recommended to be able to increase the patient’s capability to tolerate pain. In addition, it can lessen the amount of discomfort which can accompany different procedures such as headache e.g. in relation to the application of anesthetics (Spiegler and Guevremont, 2003; Wells, 2000; Zayac, 2006). Included in the processes that can be undertaken are positive attitude such as the belief in the capability to face pain and problems. Another is by providing diversion to be able to forget the pain. Rest can also be undertaken to be able to improve the patient’s outlook and behavior. It is also recommended specifically to healing patients. In addition, medication can also accompany the process of behavior therapy although a decreasing dosage can be done through the progress of the treatment (Spiegler and Guevremont, 2003; Wells, 2000). The different interventions and applications of the behavior therapy are not limited on the psychological conditions affecting behaviors. Based on the studies undertaken, the application in post-operative treatment of pain in medical procedures can be considered of fundamental relevance and purpose. Conclusion Behavior therapy theory is one of the important concepts that focus on the treatment of behavioral conditions such as bad habits and pain. On the basis of different indicators of behavior, the patients can be observed and diagnosed to be able to provide treatment. The said procedure then can result to the elimination of different forms of habits such as anxiety, smoking and even the pain caused by medical procedures and trauma. References Skinner, B. F. (1974). About Behaviorism. New York: Vintage. Spiegler, M. D. and Guevremont, D. C. (2003). Contemporary Behavior Therapy. Belmont, CA: Thompson. Watson, J. (1913). Behaviorism. Norton: New York. Wells, A., 2000. Emotional Disorders and Metacognition: Innovative Cognitive Therapy. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. Zayac, S. (2006). Cognitive Behavior Therapy in the post-operative phase for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) recipients. MUSCCON, July 10, 2006. Read More