Cognitive Behavioral Theories

Cognitive Behavioral Theories

Cognitive-behavioral theories are best conceptualized as a general category of theories, or a set of related theories, which have evolved from the theoretical writings, clinical experiences, and empirical studies of behavioral and cognitively oriented psychologists of The hyphenated term "cognitive-behavioral" reflects the importance of both behavioral and cognitive approaches to understanding and helping human beings. The hyphen brings together behavioral and cognitive theoretical views, each with its own theoretical assumptions and intervention strategies.

Cognitive-behavioral interventions target both cognitive and behavioral problems using a full integration of cognitive and behavioral strategies. Cognitive-behavioral research is based on observed changes in behavior and cognition with methodological rigor. Cognitive-behavioral theories provide great flexibility in treatment targets and interventions, sharing a fundamental emphasis on the importance of cognitive workings and private events as mediators of behavior change. Behavioral assessment, operating in the "triple response mode", provides a conceptual model of the functional relationships between thoughts, behaviors, and feelings and provides the necessary background for clinicians and researchers to implement and evaluate intervention strategies.

History & Development of Behavioral Theory John Locke (1632-1704)

Tabula Rasa Ivan Pavlov (1927) The Great Salivating

Dog Experiment

Watson & Skinner

(Operant Conditioning) Social Learning Theory (Bandura; 1960s on)

Classical versus Operant Conditioning Classical  An association developed between a stimulus and a response is strengthened by the pairing of the stimulus  This is the classic Pavlov experiment

• Operant Acquiring a new response because of an effect in the environment Example: Use of Reinforcement &

Keys to Behaviorism Define behavior clearly Overt Behaviors: Observable and measurable. 

Tearfulness, Hitting, Laughing

Covert Behaviors: Measured by self-report or

specialized equipment. 

Anxiety, Depression, Fear

Assessment in Behaviorism Behavioral Interview (Identify ABC) Behavioral Self-Report (RAI & Rating

Scales) Observations of Key Informants Inter-rater Reliability Issues

Naturalistic Observation Functional Behavioral Analysis Physiological Measures

(Biofeedback)

Techniques of Helping Environmental Changes Shaping, Approximating, Chaining Systematic Desensitization SUDS (Subjective Units of Disturbance)

Counter-conditioning Imaginal Flooding In Vivo Desensitization Modeling, Role Play,

Behavioral Rehearsal Behavioral Training

Famous Theorist Beck: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Ellis: Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy Meichenbuam: Cognitive Behavioral

Modification Although there are differences in how each theory approaches level of direction, confrontation, and therapist role…they all share common themes

Affect

Behavior

Cognition

Common Themes Identifying the content of cognition Assumptions Beliefs Expectations Self-Talk Attributions Examines the interplay

between thought, emotion, and behavior

Introducing yet another ABC model Cognitive-Behavioral Theory ABC Model Activating Event (s) Beliefs Consequences Listening specifically for: Automatic Thoughts Cognitive Distortions

Assessment in Cognitive-Behavioral Theory Interviewing: Listening for cognitive

distortions, thinking errors, self-defeating beliefs, and irrational thoughts in the client’s inner and outer dialogue Daily Thought Records Reality Testing to assess for malleability of thought patterns (i.e. suggesting alternative interpretations)

Common Distortions in Thought  Arbitrary Inferences: conclusions without supporting

evidence  Catastrophizing: Worst case scenario  Selective Abstraction: Forming conclusions based on isolated details of an event, missing the total context  Overgeneralization: Extreme beliefs based on limited experience or one time experience  Magnification/Minimization:  Personalization: It’s all about me  Labeling/Mislabeling: Historic mistakes/ imperfections define the current person  Polarized Thinking: All or nothing thinking or It is all bad or all good.

Treatment: Monitor thought patterns Identify thinking errors Develop alternative explanation and thoughts

for thinking errors (It has got to make sense to the client, not only to you.) Lot’s of other techniques including behavioral oriented interventions