Description of the Behaviour
This project seeks to modify a behaviour of chain smoking in a smoker named John. Chain smoking is a behaviour associated with the constant consumption of more than 25 cigarettes in a day. A chain smoker always feels the urge to smoke a stick of cigarette without any valid reason. The behaviour is a psychological dependency caused by the chemicals contained in the tobacco. It can last for more than three years since it is very addictive. Chain smoking is s serious problem given the immense health impacts it has on the smoker (Ober, 1968).
Ecological analysis
Chain smoking is affected by different factors and aspects of the smoker. Remedies to the high nicotine content of the smoker highly affect the behaviour. The use of nicotine patch as a form of medication highly reduces the amount of nicotine in the smoker's system thus reduces his dependence on cigarettes.
Additionally, sleep cycles have a positive effect on the behaviour. Chain smokers usually have trouble sleeping. The amount of nicotine released in the body is responsible for the lack of sleep witnessed by chain smokers. The eating routine of smokers forms part of the remedy for chain smoking.
The smoker should be put on a strong diet at regular intervals so as to increase his immunity and mitigate some of the psychological dependency on a cigarette. It is imperative to isolate the smoker from physical environments associated with heavy smoking so as to mitigate the urge of smoking. Also, the interpersonal environment should be monitored to ensure that the smoker only related to non-smokers while avoiding other smokers.
Antecedent analysis
Chain smoking occurs at any time of the day or night. It is a psychological disorder that heavily depend on the chemicals found in cigarettes especially nicotine. As a result, chain smoking occurs whenever the smoker feels the urge to smoke. In most cases, chain smoking is likely to occur in adult males. Chain smoking occurs as a result of exposure to nicotine through primary or secondary smoking. In most cases, the behaviour starts as a result of influence by peers. Smoking is usually associated with alcohol consumption and cold weather conditions.
Function of the undesirable behaviour
Chain smoking presents the smoker with numerous effects including the satisfaction of their smoking urges. In most cases, smoking presents the smoker with a feeling of euphoria. Additionally, the smoker feels motivated after a series of cigarettes while others use smoking to avoid stress.
Reinforced analysis
Chain smokers usually request a high number of cigarettes and lighters so as to satisfy their smoking urges. The only person with most control over chain smoking behaviour is the smoker himself. He has the power to decide to stop the behaviour with considerable aid. Also, the family of the smoker has some control over the person's behaviour (Ober, 1968). It is imperative to apply therapy as well as nicotine medication so as to mitigate the behaviour. The smoker should be isolated from environments and people who encourage the behaviour.
Teaching strategies
The smoker should be educated on the negative and health impacts of smoking. Additionally, the benefits of eliminating the behaviour should also be highlighted to the smoker. He should be subjected to slow and gradual withdrawal from chain smoking. Additionally, the smoker should be eliminated from the environment that instigates the smoking behaviour. Therapy sessions are also necessary since chain smoking is a psychological disorder. The daily routine of the smoker should be altered to a more beneficial routine.
Recording techniques and graph
Figure 1. Graph showing the average cigarette smoked in per day
References
Ober, D. C. (1968). Modification of smoking behaviour. Journal of Consulting and Clinical
sPsychology, 32(5p1), 543.
