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The Behavioral Model

Behavioral theorists believe that our actions are determined largely by our experiences in life Concentrates wholly on behaviors and environmental factors Bases explanations and treatments on principles of learning

Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 7e

The Behavioral Model


The model began in laboratories where conditioning studies were conducted Several forms of conditioning: Operant conditioning Modeling Classical conditioning All may produce normal or abnormal behavior
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How Do Behaviorists Explain Abnormal Functioning?


Operant conditioning Humans and animals learn to behave in certain ways as a result of receiving rewards whenever they do so Operant conditioning also known as instrumental conditioning Learning based on reinforcements and punishments.
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Reinforcements can be positive (pleasurable) or negative (the removal of something unpleasurable and always increase the probability that a behavior will be repeated. Punishments, or aversive consequences decrease the likelihood that behaviors will be repeated. Edward Thorndike pioneer in study of operant conditioning

Operant Conditioning Cont

Law of effect-Thorndikes principle that behaviors followed by pleasurable consequences are likely to be repeated while behaviors followed by aversive consequences are not. When applying operant conditioning explanation, abnormal behavior is learned when it has been reinforced in some way or when normal behavior has been punished. (e.g., a child who only receives attention from parents when he/she acts out.)

Modeling/Social Learning
3rd form of learning described by behaviorists also referred to as vicarious conditioning Learning based on observing and imitating the behavior of others. (e.g., children who watched an adult act aggressively toward a large doll later acted aggressively toward the doll themselves, while other children who watched an adult play calmly with the same doll imitated the calm adults behavior.

Classical conditioning Learning by temporal association When two events repeatedly occur close together in time, they become fused in a persons mind; before long, the person responds in the same way to both events Father of classical conditioning: Ivan Pavlov (1849 1936) Classic study using dogs and meat powder Explains many familiar behaviors (both normal and abnormal)
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Before Conditioning
UCS (food in mouth)

UCR (salivation)

Neutral stimulus (tone)

No salivation

During Conditioning UCS (food in mouth)

After Conditioning

Neutral stimulus (tone)

CS (tone)

UCR (salivation)
CR (salivation)

Behavioral Therapies
Aim to identify the behaviors that are causing problems and replace them with more appropriate ones May use classical conditioning, operant conditioning, or modeling Therapist is teacher rather than healer
9 Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 7e

Behavioral Therapies
Classical conditioning treatments may be used to change abnormal reactions to particular stimuli Example: systematic desensitization for phobia Step-by-step procedure Learn relaxation skills Construct a fear hierarchy Confront feared situations
10 Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 7e

Assessing the Behavioral Model


Strengths: Powerful force in the field Can be tested in the laboratory Significant research support for behavioral therapies

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Comer, Abnormal Psychology, 7e

Weaknesses: Too simplistic Behavior therapy is limited Downplays role of cognition New focus on self-efficacy, social cognition, and cognitive-behavioral theories

Abnormal Psychology 1

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The Cognitive Model


Seeks to account for behavior by studying the ways in which the person attends to, interprets, and uses available information Argues that clinicians must ask questions about assumptions, attitudes, and thoughts of a client Concerned with internal processes Present-focused
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How Do Cognitive Theorists Explain Abnormal Functioning?


Maladaptive thinking is the cause of maladaptive behavior Several kinds of faulty thinking: Faulty assumptions and attitudes Illogical thinking processes Example: overgeneralization
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Cognitive Therapies
People can develop a new way of thinking to prevent maladaptive behavior Main model: Becks Cognitive Therapy The goal of therapy is to help clients recognize and restructure their thinking Therapists also guide clients to challenge their dysfunctional thoughts, try out new interpretations, and apply new ways of thinking in their daily lives Widely used in treating depression
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Assessing the Cognitive Model


Strengths: Very broad appeal Clinically useful and effective Focuses on a uniquely human process Theories lend themselves to research Therapies effective in treating several disorders
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Weaknesses: Precise role of cognition in abnormality has yet to be determined Singular, narrow focus Overemphasis on the present Limited effectiveness
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COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOURAL THEORIES

Over the past 20 years, the cognitive and behavioural theories have become more interconnected, emphasizing both behaviour and thinking
Bandura social learning theory self-control

self-efficacy
Cognitive-behavioural therapy is becoming the dominant paradigm in clinical psychology

AND COGNITIVE- BEHAVIOURAL TREATMENTS


Problem-solving training DZurilla & Goldfried Self-instructional training - Meichenbaum Cognitive-behavioural therapy is becoming the dominant paradigm in clinical psychology

SUMMARY OF BEHAVIOURAL AND COGNITIVE THEORIES AND TREATMENTS emphasis on behaviour and cognitive processes more active, directive therapeutic approach than most psychodynamic approaches more research-oriented and results-oriented approach than most psychodynamic approaches

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