CHAPTER 2
BEHAVIORAL THERAPY 2
Distinguishing between Operant and Respondent Conditioning,
Extinction,
Differential reinforcement,
Antecedent
Control Procedures,
Punishment Techniques,
Self Management,
Habit Reversal,
Token Economy,
Fear and Anxiety Reduction techniques
1. Distinguishing Between Operant and Respondent Conditioning
Respondent (Classical) Conditioning: Developed by Ivan Pavlov, this involves
learning that occurs through the pairing of stimuli. An unconditioned stimulus
(which naturally elicits a response) is paired with a conditioned stimulus (a neutral
event) until the conditioned stimulus alone produces the response.
1. Focus: It focuses on what happens before a behavior (antecedents).
2. Example: A patient receiving chemotherapy (unconditioned stimulus) feels
nauseated (response). If they always see the clinic parking lot (conditioned
stimulus) before treatment, they may eventually feel nauseated just by driving
into that lot.
Operant Conditioning: Developed by B.F. Skinner, this theory posits that behavior is
primarily determined by the consequences that follow it. If a behavior is rewarded, it
is likely to be repeated; if it is punished, it is likely to decrease.
1. Focus: It focuses on what happens after a behavior (consequences).
2. Example: A child who receives extra attention (reinforcement) from parents
only when they are sick may learn to exaggerate minor physical symptoms to
gain that nurturance.
2. Extinction
Definition: Extinction is the process of reducing or eliminating an undesirable
behavior by withdrawing the reinforcement (the "payoff") that previously
maintained it.
Example: If a child throws tantrums to get attention, and the parents begin to ignore
the tantrums (removing the payoff of attention), the frequency of the tantrums is likely
to decrease and eventually stop.
3. Differential Reinforcement
Definition: While not listed as a single term, the text describes this process through
Positive Reinforcement (providing a reward to increase behavior) and Negative
Reinforcement (removing an aversive stimulus to increase behavior). In practice, this
often involves reinforcing a desired "replacement" behavior while ignoring
(extinguishing) the undesirable one.
Example: In a classroom, a teacher might ignore a child when they get out of their
seat (extinction) but provide immediate praise or points (positive reinforcement) when
the child sits quietly and works.
4. Antecedent Control Procedures
Definition: These procedures involve changing the precipitating conditions or
triggers that occur before an undesirable behavior to make it less likely to happen.
Example: To control the impulse to watch late-night television, a person might set a
timer to go off at 12:30 A.M. as a "stop sign" to remind them to shut off the TV and
go to bed.
5. Punishment Techniques
Aversive Stimulus: Following a behavior with an unpleasant consequence to
decrease the probability of that behavior occurring again.
Aversion Therapy: Linking an undesirable behavior with a negative experience.
o Example: Using Antabuse (which causes vomiting) to discourage alcohol
consumption.
Reasonable (Natural) Consequences: Unpleasant outcomes that grow logically from
a behavior.
o Example: A student who fails to complete homework is required to stay in
during recess to finish it.
Time-out: Removing a child from an environment to give them a chance to calm
down and reflect.
6. Self-Management
Definition: A process where the client takes an active role and responsibility for their
own behavior change. It often involves self-monitoring (keeping records of behavior)
and self-reinforcement (rewarding oneself).
Example: A woman who has difficulty paying bills on time schedules a specific hour
twice a week for finances; if she completes the task, she rewards herself by buying a
new book.
7. Habit Reversal
Counterconditioning: This involves pairing a behavior to be changed with a strong
incompatible response to the same cue.
Reciprocal Inhibition: Eliciting a novel response (like relaxation) to decrease the
strength of a habitual response (like anxiety).
Example: A person who habitually feels anxious when thinking about an upcoming
medical exam is taught to use deep relaxation and visualize a successful, calm
outcome, which counteracts the anxiety habit.
8. Token Economy
Definition: A system used in group settings (like schools or hospitals) where
individuals earn tokens (stars, points, chips) for performing desired behaviors. These
tokens are later exchanged for meaningful rewards or privileges.
Example: In a group home, earning 2 points might get an individual television time,
while 15 points might be exchanged for a new CD.
9. Fear and Anxiety Reduction Techniques
Systematic Desensitization: A three-step process:
1. Teaching relaxation.
2. Creating an anxiety hierarchy (ranking fears from 0 to 100).
3. Gradual, controlled exposure (either in imagination or real life) while the
person remains relaxed.
Flooding: Exposing a person to high doses of a feared stimulus for a prolonged
period until the fear diminishes (high-risk and must be used with caution).
Stress Inoculation Training (SIT): A three-phase program (Conceptualization, Skills
Acquisition, and Application) that "immunizes" people against stress by teaching
them to handle increasingly difficult stressors.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Specifically for
trauma, this combines bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) with cognitive
restructuring to reduce the intensity of disturbing memories.
Relaxation Strategies: Includes diaphragmatic breathing (deep breathing) and
progressive muscle relaxation (sequentially tensing and relaxing muscle groups).