Chrysalis Module 4 25 - 2607 Words

Behaviourists explain maladaptive behaviour in terms of the learning principles that sustain and maintain it. Discuss this statement and show how a behaviourists approach to therapy is in stark contrast to psychoanalytic one. The term ‘therapy’ literary means, â€Å"curing, healing† and is defined as a treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder. Historically, there has been considerable development in the range and types of therapy that can be used to help a client overcome their problems in a modern world. Some of these theories are very different whilst others share some similarities. Edward Thorndike proposed the ‘Law of Effect’ whereby behavioural responses which were closely followed by pleasant consequences, would ensure that†¦show more content†¦According to behaviourism, behaviour can be studied in a systematic and observable manner with no consideration of internal mental processes. As human beings we are driven to understand who we are and how the facets of our own personality make us unique individuals. Behaviourists believed that we are born with a handful of innate responses known as stimulus response and that all of our complex behaviours are through learning by interaction with the environment As one of the oldest theories of personality, behaviourism dates back to Descartes, who introduced the idea of a stimulus and called the person a machine dependent on external events whose soul was the ghost in the machine. Although most theories operate to some degree on the assumption that humans have some sort of free will and are moral thinking entities, behaviourism does not accept that maladaptive characteristics are inherent in a person’s nature. â€Å"In the mind of the behaviourist, persons are nothing more than simple mediators between behaviour and the environment† (Skinner, 1993, p 428). There are two major types of conditioning: 1. Classical conditioning is a technique used in behavioural training in which a naturally occurring stimulus is paired with a response. Next, a previously neutral stimulus is paired with the naturally occurring stimulus. Eventually, the previously neutral stimulus comes to evoke the response without the presence of the naturally occurringShow MoreRelatedCourse Notes1999 Words   |  8 Pages Mr A presented with relationship problems. He feels he would really like to work on this issue now because all of his friends are now in committed relationships and feels as though he is the odd one out. During the initial consultation Mr A, aged 25 disclosed that he has few girlfriends and was lacking in confidence. He works part-time in a bakery/restaurant as a shop assistant. He has been working at the bakery for the last seven years since he left school and says even though he has workedRead MoreDescribe and evaluate 2 approaches to the treatment of self-defeating behaviours.2378 Words à ‚  |  10 Pagesthreatening. They would not recognise their actions as being so as they see their response to the stress as normal and appropriate this can be described as a destructive coping strategy which in turn when repeated becomes a self-defeating behaviour (Module 5 p5). This is a subconscious response, a learned behaviour. The definition above suggests a conscious decision to deliberately sabotage the self, as on onlooker we would probably agree with that statement but the individual will see their actionRead Moreâ€Å"Using the case study at the end of the module assess the clients issues and describe your treatment plan. What ethical issues might arise?1956 Words   |  8 Pagesmore likely to develop several types of cancer. The difference between being overweight and obese lies in a persons Body Mass Index. The body mass index (BMI) is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared. if your BMI is between 25 and 29, you would be considered overweight if your BMI is between 30 and 40, you would be considered obese if your BMI is over 40, you would be considered very obese (known as ‘morbidly obese’). A lot of people insist they need to loose weight, whether