Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- List of tables, boxes, figures and case examples
- Foreword
- Preface
- Structure of the book
- List of abbreviations
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Assessment
- 3 Rules of reinforcement and practical examples
- 4 Social skills training
- 5 Relationship, communication and sexual skills training
- 6 Phobic and social anxiety
- 7 Treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorders
- 8 Depression
- 9 Generalised anxiety disorder and panic
- 10 Body dysmorphic disorder and the somatic symptom and related disorders
- 11 Eating disorders
- 12 Addictive behaviour
- 13 Schizophrenia and the psychoses
- 14 Personality disorder
- 15 CBT in combination with other therapy
- Glossary
- Index
3 - Rules of reinforcement and practical examples
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 January 2018
- Frontmatter
- Dedication
- Contents
- List of tables, boxes, figures and case examples
- Foreword
- Preface
- Structure of the book
- List of abbreviations
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Assessment
- 3 Rules of reinforcement and practical examples
- 4 Social skills training
- 5 Relationship, communication and sexual skills training
- 6 Phobic and social anxiety
- 7 Treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorders
- 8 Depression
- 9 Generalised anxiety disorder and panic
- 10 Body dysmorphic disorder and the somatic symptom and related disorders
- 11 Eating disorders
- 12 Addictive behaviour
- 13 Schizophrenia and the psychoses
- 14 Personality disorder
- 15 CBT in combination with other therapy
- Glossary
- Index
Summary
Overview
This chapter starts with the very first principles of behaviour therapy by examining the factors which help develop and modify behaviour. The types of reinforcement are described. How different reinforcers may shape human behaviour and result in mental health or behavioural problems will then be examined, followed by the use of altering reinforcers to improve functioning. Case examples will include the use of covert sensitisation and orgasmic reconditioning for illegal alternative sexual practices as well as more standard reinforcement techniques for unwanted or challenging behaviours.
In the introduction to this book, the history of behaviour therapy is discussed. In the following three chapters we examine the roles of reinforcement strategies and how they may be used in clinical settings. This understanding of reinforcement and its shaping of human behaviour is an important component when we examine the treatment of anxiety disorders and depression later in the book.
Reinforcement and operant conditioning
Much of this and the subsequent chapter is about techniques based on operant conditioning, a ‘sticks and carrots’ term. These principles are not always as obvious to apply as may seem on first sight. First there needs to be an understanding of reinforcement, the process of strengthening a directly measurable dimension of behaviour (the most obvious example will be covered in Chapter 6 examining exposure treatments). Anxiety is unpleasant and so when in the presence of an object or situation which provokes fear, most people will try to escape the anxiety by either running away or, in the case of OCD, by performing an anxiety-relieving compulsion. Both running away and performing an anxiolytic ritual cause the anxiety to reduce. This reduction in anxiety acts as a positive reinforcement, strengthening the likelihood of the individual escaping or ritualising in the future. By far the most common type of reinforcer to be used in clinical practice is positive reinforcement or rewarding a certain type of behaviour. The most common form of reward is social reinforcement or praise and encouragement. However, some individuals, such as people with some forms of autism, may not respond to praise and then alternative rewards need to be found. Premack's principle (1959) can be used to address this.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- CBT for AdultsA Practical Guide for Clinicians, pp. 30 - 42Publisher: Royal College of PsychiatristsPrint publication year: 2014