(c) In systematic desensitization, word pictures that induce anxiety are called
fantasies.Answers: (a) learned; (b) extinction; (c) guided.Second, behavior modificationis based on principles of operant condition-
ing. Behavior modification is of particular value in the treatment of maladaptive
behaviors that involve actions with consequences. Examples of such behaviors are
alcohol abuse, other drug abuse, frequent overeating, chronic procrastination, and
self-destructive behaviors. Behavior modification is also used in mental hospitals
to shape the behavior of difficult, disturbing patients in more cooperative direc-
tions. A token economyexists when patents can exchange tokens, earned for
desirable behavior, for something of greater value such as a piece of pie or an
opportunity to do something particularly interesting.
The basic idea of behavior modification is to reinforce desirable, adaptive
behavior and to withhold reinforcement for undesirable, maladaptive behavior.
When behavior modification is used in voluntary, self-referred therapy, the
patient and the therapist discuss self-control strategies,strategies that help the
patient take control of his or her personal environment in such a manner that mal-
adaptive behavior is in time extinguished.
The principles involved in behavior therapy are identical to those presented in
the context of chapter 6, the chapter on learning. The behavior therapist makes a
practical application of these principles to the problems of both mildly troubled
people and people with mental disorders.(a) Behavior modification is based on principles of conditioning.
(b) The basic idea of behavior modification is to desirable, adaptive behavior.Answers: (a) operant; (b) reinforce.Cognitive-Behavior Therapy: How Thinking Affects
Emotions and Actions
Cognitive-behavior therapyrefers to any approach to therapy that helps the
patient to think more rationally in order to bring emotional states under better
control. Two kinds of cognitive-behavior therapy will be identified.
Rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT)operates on the assumption
that irrational thoughts induce inappropriate anxiety, depression, and anger.
Albert Ellis, a New York psychologist, originated REBT. He explicitly credits
the ancient philosophy ofstoicismfor some of his inspiration. Stoicism taught
that it is not events in themselves that make us suffer but the way we evaluate
them.238 PSYCHOLOGY