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