A mode of treatment that focuses on substituting healthier ways of behaving for maladaptive patterns used in the past. Most likely to benefit are individuals who want to change habits, those with anxiety disorders such as phobias or panic attacks, and those with substance use disorders or eating disorders. The basic techniques include behavior modification, operant conditioning, shaping, token economy, systematic desensitization, relaxation training, aversion therapy, exposure therapy, flooding, modeling, social skills training, and paradoxical intention.
A mode of treatment that focuses on modifying observable and, at least in principle, quantifiable behavior by means of systematic manipulation of the environment and behavioral variables thought to be functionally related to the behavior. Some behavior therapy techniques are operant conditioning, shaping, token economy, systematic desensitization, aversion therapy, and flooding.
Concerned with eliminating symptoms of maladjustment or unwanted actions with little or no insight into the basic causes of the actions.
A method of treating psychological and psychiatric conditions that focuses on changing outward behavior rather than uncovering emotional conflicts that may help explain that behavior.
Treatment based on the belief that psychological problems are the products of faulty learning and not the symptoms of an underlying disease. Treatment is directed at the problem or target behavior and is designed for the particular patient, not for the particular diagnostic label that has been attached to him.
A therapy designed to influence behavior by focussing on objective behavior rather than on psychological or other causes. The theory is that behavior and certain types of thinking are learned, and can thus be unlearned. Techniques include reinforcement, aversion therapy, conditioning, and biofeedback. Also called behavior modification, behavior management.
Techniques used to change maladaptive behaviors, based on principles of learning theory. Cigarette smoking, eating disorders, and alcohol abuse are commonly treated through behavior therapy, which may include the use of positive reinforcement, aversive conditioning, discrimination, and modeling.