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Behavioral approach in Clinical Psychology

APSARA KATUWAL DANGOL

Behavioral approach is based on the belief that behavior can be learned. It focuses on a scientific and objective method of investigation. It is also concerned with observable Stimulus-Response behaviors. This approach also focuses on learning's role in developing both normal and abnormal behavior.

Early theorist Ivan Pavlov discovered classical conditioning (associative learning). He conducted a famous study using dogs. It focused on the effects of a learned response to a stimulus. For example, a dog started salivating when it heard the bell. Here, the sound of the bell would symbolize the message of getting food. Another behaviorist, Edwar L. Thorndike discovered Operant Conditioning and later B.F. Skinner analyzed operant conditioning. It is based on rewards and punishment to shape people's behavior. Edward L. Thorndike discovered Animal Intelligence. He found that punishment didn't weaken S-R connections but inhibited their expression.




Basic Assumptions

1. All behavior is learned from Environment.

When we are born our mind is "tabula rasa" (a blank state) and we grow up we learn behavior through classical conditioning (learning theory). So, environment factor influences behavior.

2. Psychology should be seen as Science.

Empirical Data is important for any theories related to psychology. As it meant to be observable and measurable.

3. Behaviorism is primarily concerned with observable behavior as opposed to internal events like thinking and emotions. 

As internal events are not observable and measurable, internal events are excluded but behaviorist believes both external and internal events are important.

4.There is little difference between the learning that takes place in humans and that in other animals.

Comparative psychology highlights that research can be carried out between human and animal behavior. Behaviorist used rats and pigeon primarily as they and their circumstances can be handled.

5. Behavior is the result of Stimulus - Response.

All behavior is the reason behind stimulus and response.

Types of Behaviorism

Behaviorism has been divided into two theories forwarded by Watson and Skinner.

1. Methodological Behaviorism
2. Radical Behaviorism


 The Timeline of History of Behaviorism

1897 - Early Theorist Ivan Pavlov published the results of an experiment on conditioning after originally studying digestion in dogs.

1905 - Edward L. Thorndike formalized law of effect.

1913 - John B. Watson launched the behavioral school of psychology.

1913 - John B. Watson published an article " Psychology as the behaviorist views it" which created assumptions related to behavior.

1920 - John B. Watson and his student Rosalie Rayner conditioned an orphan called Albert (aka little Albert) to fear him with a white rat.

1936 - B.F. Skinner wrote " The Behavior of Organisms". He introduced the concept of operant conditioning and shaping.

1943 - Clark Hull's "Principle of Behavior" was published.

1948 - B.F. Skinner published "Walden Two".It includes Utopian Society founded upon behaviorist principles.

1958 - Journal of the Experiment Analysis of behavior was initiated.

1959 - Avram Noam Chomsky published "Review of Verbal Behavior". It includes criticism of Skinner's behaviorism.

1963 - Albert Bandura OC published a book named " Social Learning Theory and Personal Development". It deals with cognitive and behavioral frameworks.

1971 - B.F. Skinner published a book "Beyond Freedom and Dignity". In this book, he has argued that free will is an illusion.

The behavioral approach in clinical psychology has contributed in many aspects. It has its areas of application like in gender role development, behavior modification, education, behavioral therapy, phobias, psychopathology, depression, relationships, moral development, aggression, and addiction.

About Writer

Apsara Katuwal Dangol, is writer, educator, and psychosocial counselor. She writes articles which covers topics related to general and developmental psychology. She teaches to MA Clinical Psychology students as Developmental Psychology Mentor at Tri-Chandra College, and General Psychology at Shubhashree College of Management.




References

Different approaches to psychotherapy
http://www.apa.org/topics/therapy/psychotherapy-approaches.aspx

Five counseling theories and approaches
https://counseling.northwestern.edu/five-counseling-theories-and-approaches/

Little Albert Experiment
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Albert_experiment

McLeod, S.A. (2017). Behaviorist Approach.Retrieved from www.simplepsychology.org/behaviorism.html

Operant Conditioning
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operant_conditioning

Watson and Rayner (1928), a classic study: Little Albert
http://www.psychologywizard.net/watson--Rayner-ao1-ao3.html


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