Behaviorism

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses behaviorism, behavior modification and behavior therapy. The author explains how behavior modification and behavior therapy each alludes to different aspects of behaviorism and describes how these psychoanalytic approaches came to assimilate into clinical practices in the United States. Psychologists such as Ivan P. Pavlov and Edward Thorndike are mentioned with regards to their works and theories on behaviorism. The paper also discusses the views of B.F Skinner, who believed that the environment shapes peoples behaviors.

From the Paper:

"Behaviorism was born in the 1950s and early 1960s as a response to the psychoanalytic approach. The terms behavior modification and behavior therapy have become ingrained into American lexicon; however, each term alludes to a different aspect of behaviorism. Behavior modification refers to the systematic approach of assessment, evaluation, and vicissitudes of quantifiable behaviors. Behavior therapy is the grander instrument in which behavior modification is fostered and applied."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. (2009). ABCT Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies:. Retrieved 07 12, 2009, from Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies:: http://www.abct.org
• Bandura, A., Pastorelli, C., Barbaranelli, C., & Caprara, G. V. (1999). Self-efficacy pathways to childhood depression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 76 (2), 258 - 269.
• Corey, G. (2005). Theory and Pratice of Counseling & Psychotherapy. Belmont: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
• Day, S. X. (2008). Essential Concepts in Behavioral Therapy. In S. X. Day, Theory and Design in Counseling and Psychotherapy (pp. 302 - 355). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
• Friedman, H. S., & Schustack, M. W. (2001). Readings in Personality Classic theroies and Modern Research. Needham Heights: Allyn & Bacon.

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