Behavior Therapy
Overview
Behavior therapy, also known as behavioral therapy, is a broad term referring to clinical psychotherapy that uses techniques derived from behaviorism and/or cognitive psychology. It looks at specific, learned behaviors and how the environment, or other people's mental states, influence those behaviors, and consists of techniques based on learning theory, such as respondent or operant conditioning.
Historical Background
Behavior therapy has its roots in the behaviorist school of thought that emerged with the work of B.F. Skinner and Ivan Pavlov in the early 20th century. This approach to psychology emphasized the study of observable behavior, particularly as it can be altered by changes in the environment.
Theoretical Foundations
Behavior therapy is based on principles of learning theory. There are two main types of learning theory: classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning, also known as respondent conditioning, is a type of learning in which one learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events. This theory was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian physiologist who discovered he could condition dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell, which had previously been associated with the presentation of food.
Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning, on the other hand, is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. This theory was primarily developed by B.F. Skinner, an American psychologist.
Techniques
Behavior therapy employs a variety of techniques to help individuals reduce maladaptive behaviors and increase adaptive ones. These techniques are all based on the principles of learning theory.
Systematic Desensitization
Systematic desensitization is a type of behavior therapy used to help effectively overcome phobias and other anxiety disorders. More specifically, it's a type of Pavlovian therapy developed by South African psychiatrist, Joseph Wolpe.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment that was developed to help people confront their fears. When people are fearful of something, they tend to avoid the feared objects, activities, or situations. Although this avoidance might help reduce feelings of fear in the short term, over the long term it can make the fear become even worse.
Aversion Therapy
Aversion therapy is a form of psychological treatment in which the patient is exposed to a stimulus while simultaneously being subjected to some form of discomfort. This conditioning is intended to cause the patient to associate the stimulus with unpleasant sensations in order to stop the specific behavior.
Applications
Behavior therapy has been applied to a wide range of psychological disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and substance abuse. It is also used in treating behavior problems in children and adolescents, such as ADHD and conduct disorder.
Effectiveness
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of behavior therapy in treating a variety of psychological disorders. It is considered a first-line treatment for many disorders, particularly anxiety disorders and certain types of depression.
Criticisms
Despite its effectiveness, behavior therapy has been criticized on several fronts. Some critics argue that it is too mechanistic and does not take into account the complexity of human behavior. Others argue that it is too focused on symptoms and does not address the underlying causes of psychological disorders.