Theory Summary of the behavioral approach

1. Who is/are the main creator(s) of this theory?

B. F. (Burrhus Frederick) Skinner is the person most responsible for the
popularization of behavioral treatment methods. Other notables are
historical figures, such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, Albert Bandura,
etc.

2. What are the main terms to know associated with this theory?
Discovered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, classical conditioning
is a type of unconscious or automatic learning. This learning process
creates a conditioned response through associations between an
unconditioned stimulus and a neutral stimulus.
Reinforcement is any stimulus or event that increases the likelihood of
a behavior being repeated, while punishment is any stimulus or event
that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Here's a more
detailed explanation of each:
Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement: This involves adding a
desirable stimulus, such as a reward or praise, to increase the likelihood
of a behavior being repeated. For example, if a student completes their
homework on time, the teacher might give them a sticker or verbal
praise to encourage them to continue completing their homework on
time. Negative reinforcement: This involves removing an unpleasant
stimulus, such as ending an annoying task or stopping an aversive noise,
to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. For example, a
student may be allowed to leave class early if they complete their work
quickly and accurately.
Punishment: Positive punishment: This involves adding an unpleasant
stimulus, such as scolding or a detention, to decrease the likelihood of a
behavior being repeated. For example, if a student is caught cheating on
a test, they may receive a detention as a punishment to discourage them
from cheating again. Negative punishment: This involves removing a
desirable stimulus, such as taking away privileges or rewards, to
decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. For example, a
student may lose their recess time for misbehaving in class.
Token economies are systems of behavior modification that use tokens
as a form of positive reinforcement. Tokens can be exchanged for
rewards, and they are used to increase desirable behaviors in settings
such as schools or therapy environments.
Extinction refers to the gradual weakening and eventual disappearance
of a conditioned response. This occurs when the conditioned stimulus is
no longer paired with the unconditioned stimulus in classical
conditioning or when reinforcement is removed in operant conditioning.
Generalization occurs when a conditioned response is triggered by
stimuli that are similar to the original conditioned stimulus. This means
 the response spreads to new but related stimuli. Example: A dog
conditioned to salivate at a specific bell may also salivate when hearing a
similar-sounding bell.
Discrimination is the opposite of generalization. It occurs when an
organism learns to respond differently to different stimuli, even if they
are similar, based on which ones are paired with reinforcement.
Shaping involves reinforcing successive approximations of a desired
behavior. It is a technique used in operant conditioning to train complex
behaviors by rewarding actions that get closer to the final behavior.
Example: When clients are learning new skills, counselors break down
behavior into manageable units.

3. According to this theory, what is the source of human

struggle/what impedes wellness/growth?
Behavior therapy is based on the principle that mental disorders are
learned behaviors that eventually result with a symptom of the disorder.
Their focus is not on intrapsychic conflicts like the psychoanalytical and
psychodynamic conflicts, but rather on direct observable behavior.
Behaviorists conceptualize psychopathology as behavior that is
disadvantageous or dangerous to the person or to other people. Both
adaptive and maladaptive behaviors are controlled by their
consequences (reinforcement/punishment). Specific environmental
circumstances may also help shape the development of maladaptive
behavior, for instance growing in a household where parents misuse
drugs can result in the child having aggressive tendencies. In addition,
maladaptive behavior also results when we use a single reinforcer in a
negative or destructive way, for example, addiction.

4. According to this theory, how is healing/wellness brought about?

Behavioral therapists are of the view that insight is not necessary for
behavioral change. Instead, healing and wellness are brought about by
unlearning maladaptive behaviors and replacing them with healthier,
adaptive behaviors. By changing the environmental triggers or
reinforcements, individuals can learn new, healthy behaviors that
promote growth and well-being.

5. According to this theory, what is the counselor’s role and the

counselor’s relationship with the client?
In the behavioral approach, the counselor takes on an active, directive
role. The process of behavior therapy begins with problem identification
and assessment and asking more specific questions about the presenting
problem. The counselor assesses the client's problematic behaviors and
works collaboratively with the client to change these behaviors. The
relationship is often structured, goal-oriented, and focused on problem-
 solving rather than deep emotional exploration. The counselor functions
as a coach or teacher, guiding the client through specific techniques and
providing reinforcement for progress. Therapists continually assess and
reassess the effectiveness of therapy. A key aspect of their approach is
the experimental evaluation of both treatment methods and underlying
concepts.

6. According to this theory, how is the individual perceived with

regards to others (family and/or culture/society)?
From the lens of behavioral therapy, people are neutral at birth – neither
good nor bad. They become what they are in later life from what they
learn throughout life. The individual is viewed as shaped by their
environment, including family, culture, and society. Behaviors are
learned through interactions with these external forces. While behavioral
therapy typically focuses on the individual's behavior, it acknowledges
that family dynamics, cultural norms, and social influences play
significant roles in shaping and reinforcing behavior. The theory
emphasizes how behavior is a response to environmental stimuli rather
than focusing on internal or unconscious drives.

7. What techniques are associated with this theory?

a) Systematic Desensitization: Reciprocal inhibition is based on the
idea that two incompatible responses (e.g., relaxation and anxiety)
cannot occur simultaneously. Systematic desensitization is a
technique that uses this concept to help individuals overcome fears
or phobias. A client is asked to describe the situation that causes
anxiety and then to rank this situation and related events on a
hierarchical scale, from aspects that cause no concern (0) to those
that are most troublesome (100). To help the client avoid anxiety
and face the situation, the counselor teaches him or her to relax
physically or mentally. The hierarchy is then reviewed, starting
with low-anxiety items. When the client’s anxiety begins to mount,
the client is helped to relax again, and the procedures then start
anew until the client is able to be calm even when thinking about
or imagining the event that used to create the most anxiety.
b) Relaxation Training Techniques: This involves teaching clients
how to reduce physical tension and anxiety through methods such
as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided
imagery. The goal is to help individuals achieve a state of calm,
which can be used as a coping mechanism in situations that trigger
stress or anxiety.
c) Stress inoculation technique: The primary goal in stress
inoculation was to change individuals’ beliefs about the behaviors
and statements they make to themselves regarding how they deal
 with stress (e.g., “I come apart under stress”). It involves three
phases: Conceptualization (clients learn about the nature of stress
and how their thoughts influence their emotional and physiological
reactions); Skill Acquisition (clients are taught coping skills like
relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving to handle
stressful situations); and Application (clients practice these skills in
real or simulated stress-inducing situations, building resilience
over time).
d) Exposure therapies: These involve direct and repeated
confrontation with anxiety-provoking stimuli or situations until the
anxiety lessens through habituation. These therapies aim to reduce
the fear response by gradually or suddenly exposing the individual
to the feared object, situation, or thought, allowing them to
experience that their fear is unfounded or manageable. They can
be direct or imaginal.

8. What are the strengths of this theory?

a) Strong research foundation with measurable, observable outcomes.
b) Highly applicable in many settings (schools, therapy, work).
c) Techniques are straightforward and goal-oriented.
d) Useful for treating specific problems like anxiety disorders,
phobias, addiction, and habit change.
e) Emphasizes current behaviors rather than delving into past trauma
or deep emotional processes.

9. What shortcomings are there with this theory?

a) Behavior therapy may not fully address the underlying emotional or
cognitive drivers behind certain behaviors.
b) Behavior change can be difficult to sustain in the long run, and may
require continued reinforcement.
c) Behavior change may not generalize across all areas of a client's
life without targeted intervention.
d) Behavior therapy may not be suitable for people with more
complex mental health needs or learning difficulties.

10. What are two questions that you have about the theory?
How well does the behavioral approach work when applied to complex
psychological disorders that have strong emotional components?
What are the ethics around use of criticized techniques like flooding?

11. How likely am I to use this theory? Or What aspects of this theory
am I likely to put into practice?
I really value the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior,
hence I would use techniques like token economies. I also like the idea of
urging clients to get out of their comfort zones with techniques like
systematic desensitization, but I would not push them to do so after a
point. I would most likely integrate the techniques in this approach with
other methods that value insight and emotions, because I think that they
are essential in going to the roots of certain problems.