Basic
Assumptions of Behavior Modification Basic
Assumptions of Behavior Modification This table provides a comparison of behavior therapy (modification) to a second major approach to therapy (Psychoanalysis). For brevity's sake, both approaches have been simplified.
| Behavior Therapy | versus Psychoanalysis |
| Focus on observable behavior. Rejects traditional notion of "underlying causes" or "unconscious." | Focus on inferred constructs, especially id, ego, superego |
| The environment and learning cause maladaptive behaviors. (Some behavior is explainable by genetics). | Unconscious processes cause behavior. |
| Psychological learning principles can modify behavior. Change comes from action. | Uncover "underlying" causes. Change comes from talking, "insight". |
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Goals are specific and objectively defined.
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Goals? If any, vague: "feel better." |
| Behavior is situation specific. "Traits," such as "laziness," are invented concepts and unnecessary for change. | "Traits" are considered formed by age 5 and set for life. |
| Pull from a variety of techniques and adapt them to the individual client. Search for new techniques. Ex. systematic desensitization, token economy, | 1 general treatment for every client (talking), eg dream analysis, free association |
| Focus on the present. Is change occurring now? What in the immediate environment is contributing to the behavior? | Searches what happened to the client in the past (typically childhood). |
| Research a therapeutic technique to determine if it is truly effective. Submit treatment to evaluation. Change if it isn't working. Reject self-report as basis for determining worth of treatment. | Reliance on case history (self-report) for evaluation of treatment . |
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