Influence on Behavioral Family Therapy- B.F Skinner's
Techniques used in Behavioral Therapy
- Keeping of records
- Implosion
- Desensitization
- Extinction
- On task
- Premack principle
- Modeling
Basic Behavioral Concepts
- Learning Theory
Behavior modification
- Situations where its applicable
- Use of Reinforcements
Contributions of Behavioral Therapy
- Benefit
- Limitations
Key areas that behavioral scientists take an interest in because of Skinner’s influence include the way people act, what people learn and their outcome of their behavior. Behavioral scientists follow certain steps when conducting therapy to a family under stress.
Steps involved in Behavioral Therapy
The first stage involves preliminary assessment and description of the undesired behavior. The second stage involves counting, recording and observations of the problems. The third stage will entail collaboration with the family members in an effort to select different behaviors that are more desirable to the family and the identified patient, as well. Consequently, the fourth stage will involve intervention where the family members are taught how to reinforce behavior through encouraging desired behavior and condemning of negative behavior. The final stage involves coaching and practice of the new behaviors and combination with the intrafamily relationships.
Techniques used to Modify Behavior
Keeping of Records
Record keeping allows progress of therapy to be measured and evaluated. Once the patient is handled over to the family, record keeping will assist the family members to keep track of changes that are or are not taking place. Consequently, they will be responsible for making changes in the patient. Maintenance of records of unwanted behavior will assist the family to employ methods of behavior change.
Implosion
In this technique, the therapist presents the patient with a feared situation to indicate to the patient that he get used to the situation, and that is less harmful. This technique will be applied until the old anxiety is removed.
Desensitization
In this process, situations that cause anxiety are ranked according to the level of that the patient fears them. The procedure begins with introducing the weaker anxieties and progresses by introducing the stronger anxieties until the patient does not fear the situations anymore. Desensitization combines relaxation exercises in order to achieve its effect. This method is mostly applied in cases of sexual behavior.
Extinction
This technique refers eradication of unwanted behavior. This technique becomes effective when using two strategies. One strategy involves reducing the unwanted behavior and the other involves substituting the unwanted behavior with a more positive behavior.
On Task
This technique involves focusing fully on a certain intervention that is normally a new habit. During the therapy, the patients give their undivided attention in developing a new habit or behavior. For instance, couples setting one hour aside to focus on developing their communication skills towards each other.
Premack Principle
This principle is where a high probability behavior is dependent on a low probability behavior. For example, in marriages, a wife that does not like her husband’s business trips may do some of the activities that she likes and in the process reduce her resentment towards her husband.
Modeling
Modeling implies the principles of imitative learning. In addition, the use of role playing, sculpting and the use of simple examples can be used to enhance this technique. This technique is essential in imparting social skills, how to control one’s conduct in negotiations between where opposing views are involved. Modeling assists children to learn how to conduct themselves in difficult circumstances.
Basic Behavioral Concepts
In behavioral therapy, learning theory is applied in all techniques used in the behavior therapy. This is evident since both desirable and unwanted behaviors are learned. In family therapy, learning theory is applied. The therapist will seek to educate the family on how to modify behaviors. Procedures that are used to develop acceptable behaviors can also be used to correct undesirable behavior.
Behavior Modification
Behavior modification becomes useful in situations involving quarreling, overeating or school phobias especially in scenarios where a family member is unable to operate consciously with other members. For instance, the family member could be mentally retarded or an unruly teenager. The use of reinforcements in behavior modification reduces the chances of unwanted behaviors being repeated. Examples of these reinforcements include compliments, affection, gratitude and smiles.
Contributions of Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy assists a family member with unwanted behavior to appreciate the attention from concerned relatives. However, some problems with behavioral therapy may be experienced. For instance, the patients may feel they are being manipulated. In addition, ethical issues may arise in situations where the therapist is trying to change the behavior of a family member without his consent. Furthermore, critics view behavioral modification to simplistic for use in handling the complexities of modern family pathology.
