Theoretical Perspectives on Two Weeks Intervention - Report Example

Theoretical Perspectives on 2 Weeks Intervention Idenio Ramos Kaplan Total Number of Words: 2,505 Aim: This report aims to present a theoretical perspective on the desired intervention which is to effectively increase gym attendance from 1 to 2 times each week up to at least 6 times each week. Objective: To be able to analyze the significance of operant and non-operant behavioral strategies as an intervention to the desired behavioral change. Method: Conducted a literature review to analyze the case using theories related to operant and non-operant behavioral strategies. Findings: The use of positive reinforcement strategies such as rewarding myself with a treat (i.e. allocating time for myself to watch a movie or a basketball game each time I managed to exceed the target of 6 times each week gym attendance) can be very effective in terms of keeping me committed with the long-term goal. Even though non-operant behavioral strategy such as the need to establish a strong social relationship with other people who regularly attend the gym can also be effective in terms of making me stay committed with the long-term goal, it is important to take note that not all types of non-operant behavioral strategies are applicable to behavioral changes presented in this case analysis.. Conclusion: Developing and implementing a set of maintenance strategies is important in terms of ensuring the long-term success of behavioral change. Summary of Information from Unit 1, 3 and 6 The information presented in Unit 1, 3 and 6 was composed of the different steps when it comes to creating a self-management program for behavioral modification purposes. In line with this, the common steps when performing self-management program includes: (1) identify personal target behavior; (2) commitment to change the personal target behavior; (3) create and implement a self-monitoring plan; (4) conduct a functional assessment of the antecedent and consequences of the target behavior; (5) select and implement self-management strategies; (6) evaluation of the changes in the target behavior; and (7) the implementation of maintenance strategies (Miltenberger, 2012, 413). First Step: Identify Personal Target Behavior Unit 1 focused on identifying a personal target behavior that needs to be changed whereas unit 3 focused on analyzing the reasons behind the inappropriate behavior. Basically, the personal behavior that needs to be changed is to increase my gym attendance from 1 to 2 times each week up to at least 6 times each week. In the process of identifying the personal target behavior, I learned that there are some external and internal factors that could affect my available schedule and willingness to go to the gym. For example, external factors that could affect my willingness to attend the gym include not only my responsibilities at work but also in school activities and my family. On the other hand, internal factors that could affect my willingness to attend the gym include my dedication and motivation to attend the gym. Second Step: Make a Commitment to Change the Personal Target Behavior In general, most of the problems related to self-management seriously involve a target behavior (Miltenberger, 2012, 413). Often times, increasing the desired target behavior is being suppressed by either psychological or external factors. Therefore, the only way to increase the desired target behavior is to remove all barriers that in conflict with the desirable long-term outcome. Earlier, it was mentioned that changes in the identified personal target behavior is to increase my gym attendance from 1 to 2 times each week up to at least 6 times each week. Before creating the selected intervention strategies, I have made a strong commitment to change my target behavior. To help me program a strong desire to change the identified behavior, I decided to spend few hours watching YouTube videos concerning the benefits of physical activities. Basically, my goal here is to increase my gym attendance from 1 to 2 times each week up to at least 6 times each week. Third Step: Create and Implement a Self-Monitoring Plan Creating and implementing a self-monitoring plan is necessary because it will help us monitor the progress in the behavior that needs to be changed. In line with this, I have purposely included several tools which were used in the implementation of the self-monitoring plan. Among these tools include: (1) target gym schedule checklist; and (2) the antecedent, behavior, and consequences (ABC) assessment framework. Right after spending some time to watch some YouTube videos, a two-week scheduling was part of implementing the self-monitoring plan. Between September 26, 2014 to October 6, 2014, I was strictly using the target gym schedule checklist to record and monitor the time and date I attended the gym. According to Miltenberger (2012, 413), the use of self-management is necessary in terms of changing one’s own personal behavior. Basically, this can be done by assessing the targeted functional behavior. In most cases, a comprehensive functional behavior assessment can be conducted through an interview, a self-report, or the use of a direct observation method (Matson, 2012, 121). As such, the mere act of controlling one’s own behavior that needs to be modified is considered as a significant part of self-management strategies. Often times, self-management strategies may include self-monitoring processes, arrangement of reinforcement or punishment strategies, the use of social support groups, the need to manipulate antecedent, praising one’s self for accomplishing the desired behavioral change (Miltenberger, 2012, 413). When conducting a self-functional analysis, performing a functional interview is not appropriate. On the other hand, a self-report heavily relies on memory of the behavior (Miller, 2006). For this reason, the use of this method often leads to lacks of important and sensitive details. Unlike the use of functional interview or self-report method, the use of direct observation method is more appropriate because it can help us understand behavioral changes in details. In fact, the use of direct observation method is better in terms of gathering a more accurate and reliable behavioral information (Matson, 2009, 43). Using direct observation method, a self-functional analysis was conducted in Unit 6. In this particular exercise, the self-observation method was adapted together with the use of a target gym schedule checklist and the antecedent, behavior, and consequences (ABC) assessment form. Among the few aspects that needs to be assess and observe include increase motivation, the frequency of going to the gym, latency, and duration (Alberto & Troutman, 1999). For some reasons, the target gym schedule checklist which was presented in Unit 6 was very useful in terms of helping me track down the number of days and time I spent at the gym. Likewise, the checklist also reminded me why I should regain back my desire and interest to spend at least a few minutes on the gym each day. The ABC assessment framework was a significant part of the self-monitoring plan. In fact, performing the ABC assessment procedure was necessary since it enabled me to examine all factors that can positively or negatively affect my long-term desire to spend more time at the gym. Using the ABC assessment tool in analyzing my own personal behavior about the allocation of time at the gym, it was much easier for me to develop a more effective strategy in reaching my desired behavior. Fourth Step: Conduct a Functional Assessment of the Antecedent and Consequences of the Target Behavior Unit 6 focused on performing a comprehensive functional behavior assessment with regards to the identified personal target behavior. Based on the actual ABC assessment result, it is clear that the antecedents is to feed the brain with positive information concerning the physical, mental and emotional benefits of undergoing a regular 30-minute exercise each day. On the other hand, desired behavior is to spend at least 30-minutes at the gym whereas the consequences behind my chosen action includes allowing me to increase my gym attendance from 1 to 2 times each week up to at least 6 times each week, allowing me to improve my ability to manage time with work, school and family which eventually made me feel so much better about myself. Based on the functional assessment of the antecedent and consequences of target behavior, the ABC assessment includes the following remarks: Antecedent(s) --------------------- Behavior------------------------- Consequences Feeding positive information about the health, cognitive, and emotional benefits of exercising by watching you tube videos. Increased my desire to spend at least 30-minutes at the gym each day. Managed to increase my gym attendance from 1 to 2 times each week up to at least 6 times each week; Improve my ability to manage time with work, school and family; Feel so much better about myself. Fifth Step: Select and Implement Self-Management Strategies In most behavioral modification approach, social support groups play a significant role in the practice of self-management (Miltenberger, 2012, 413). Instead of heavily relying on the use of social support groups, the antecedent that was presented in Unit 6 is the use of relevant YouTube videos. In line with this, the time I spent watching some YouTube videos about the physical, mental and emotional benefits of undergoing a regular 30-minute exercise each day has been very effective in terms of increasing my motivation and desire to attend the gym more often. Based on several videos, I learned that regular exercises can improve a person’s endurance in sports activities (You Tube, 2012a), improve speed, and help maintain the normal body weight, strength, flexibility, stamina and agility (You Tube, 2012b, 2012c). All the positive information I heard about regular daily exercises significantly increased my desire and motivation to be at the gym at least 6 times each week. In general, the presence of positive motivation can lead to positive changes in the desired behavior. Ever since I started viewing some of the You Tube videos online, I was able to feed the brain some information about the need to give more importance about spending at least 30-minutes of exercising each day. Instead of spending 90% of my time at work, in school, and with my family members, I managed to allocate at least one (1) hour for myself. Basically, the one (1) hour I purposely allocated for myself is just enough for me to go back and forth the gym and at the same time enjoyed my 30-minute routine exercise each day. Sixth Step: Evaluation of the Changes in the Target Behavior The intervention discussed in Unit 6 was very effective in terms of modifying the identified personal behavior highlighted in Unit 1. In fact, the only concrete evidence that the chosen intervention was very effective in terms of increasing my gym attendance from 1 to 2 times each week up to at least 6 times each week can be noted in the gym schedule/attendance checklist presented in unit 6. During the first week (September 26, 2014 to October 2, 2014), I managed to attend the gym for straight seven (7) days. This clearly shows that the behavioral motivation strategy used to increase my gym attendance from 1 to 2 times each week up to at least 6 times each week has been very effective. On the second week (October 3, 2014 to October 6, 2014), the total gym attendance was five (5) out of seven (7) days. This figure is still good since I had to attend some important errands at home. Even though I was not able to attend the gym for two (2) consecutive days, the fact that I was present at the gym on October 5 and October 6 is already a good sign that I had not totally lost my will and desire to be at the gym at least once a day. (See Table I – Target Gym Schedule/Attendance Checklist below) Table I – Target Gym Schedule/Attendance Checklist Week Day Time and Date Attended the Gym Total No. of Days Attended the Gym Each Week 1 1 September 26, 2014 (5:30 pm) 7 days 2 September 27, 2014 (4:30 pm) 3 September 28, 2014 (1:30 pm) 4 September 29, 2014 (5:33 pm) 5 September 30, 2014 (4:45 pm) 6 October 1, 2014 (4:50 pm) 7 October 2, 2014 (6:50 pm) 2 1 October 3, 2014 (5:12 pm) 5 days 2 October 1, 2014 (4:50 pm) 3 October 2, 2014 (6:10 pm) 4 - 5 - 6 October 5, 2014 (4:40 pm) 7 October 6, 2014 (5:20 pm) Seventh Step: Implementation of Maintenance Strategies The use of positive reinforcement should be a part of implementing maintenance strategy. Based on the operant conditioning of behavior modification, a good example of a positive reinforcement strategy that can be used to ensure that I will keep up with the long-term goal of attending the gym at least 6 times each week is to reward myself with a treat (Mayer et al., 2009, 186). This may include allocating time for myself to watch a movie or a basketball game each time I managed to exceed the target of 6 times each week gym attendance. Among the few non-operant behavioral strategies include role playing, behavioral experiments, scheduling of activities, active participation in modeling, and increasing involvement in certain activities so as to improve self-esteem and increase interaction with friends (Freeman et al., 2004, 375). One of the non-operant behavioral strategies I used in this report is the need to establish a strong social relationship with other people who regularly attend the gym. Personally, I am a very friendly and sociable person. Therefore, in the process of establishing a strong social relationship with other people who regularly attend the gym, I can have a better chance of being able to maintain my long-term goal of 6 days a week gym attendance. Aside from making it so much easier for me to reach my long-term goal, establishing a strong social relationship with other people who regularly attend the gym will also help me develop a more healthy social life. Ethical Considerations Applicable to Behavior and Intervention There are several ethical considerations that need to be considered when identifying targeted behavior, implementing a self-monitoring plan, conducting a functional assessment of the antecedent and consequences of the target behavior, selecting and implementing self-management strategies, evaluating the changes in the target behavior, and implementing some long-term maintenance strategies. For instance, when it comes to identifying the targeted behavior, the design and implementation of a self-monitoring plan or a functional assessment of the antecedent and consequences of the target behavior, it is but ethical not to distort the truth about the subject’s targeted behavior. In line with this, recording the subject’s gym attendance should at all times be accurate and true. When it comes to the assessment and evaluation of behavioral changes, it is but ethical to analyze the effectiveness of each identified intervention strategy based on existing theories. As such, the use of pre-existing tools and frameworks used in the study of behavioral psychology can also help increase the accuracy and validity of the research findings. Conclusion To improve functional behavior, people should first identify their desired behavior before searching for appropriate intervention that can positively affect their desired behavioral changes. Often times, appropriate intervention should be in a form of different positive motivation or reinforcement strategies. Basically, positive influences coming from the outside sources can somehow affect people’s desire and motivation to meet their desired behavioral changes. All these explains why it was possible for the subject to increase his gym attendance from 1 to 2 times each week up to at least 6 times each week. Developing and implementing a set of maintenance strategies is important in terms of ensuring the long-term success of behavioral change. As such, the use of positive reinforcement strategies such as rewarding myself with a treat (i.e. allocating time for myself to watch a movie or a basketball game each time I managed to exceed the target of 6 times each week gym attendance) can be very effective in terms of keeping me committed with the long-term goal. Even though non-operant behavioral strategy such as the need to establish a strong social relationship with other people who regularly attend the gym can also be effective in terms of making me stay committed with the long-term goal, it is important to take note that not all types of non-operant behavioral strategies are applicable to behavioral changes presented in this case analysis. For instance, becoming active in role playing or behavioral experiments will not necessarily change my desire and attitude in increasing the frequency of my gym attendance. References Alberto, P., & Troutman, A. (1999). Applied behavior analysis for teachers. 5th Edition. Merrill: Columbus. Freeman, A., Pretzer, J., Fleming, B., & Simon, K. (2004). Clinical Applications of Cognitive Therapy. 2nd Edition. NY: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Matson, J. (2012). Functional Assessment for Challenging Behaviors. NY: Springer Science Business Media. Matson, J. (2009). Applied Behavior Analysis for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. NY: Springer Science + Business Media. Mayer, M., van Acker, R., Lochman, J., & Gresham, F. (2009). Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. NY: The Guilford Press. Miltenberger, R. (2012). Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures. 5th Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. You Tube. (2012a, March 10). HIIT Workout for Endurance and Strength - Intense Home Cardio Workout. Retrieved October 18, 2014, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDvMxuT6EVg You Tube. (2012b, July 6). Sports Endurance Workout - Stamina, Speed, and Agility Workout. Retrieved October 18, 2014, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uVaKjtJHN8 You Tube. (2012c, November 16). Exercise and the Brain. Retrieved October 18, 2014, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJW7dYXPZ2o Read More