‘Behaviourists Explain Maladaptive Behaviour in Terms of...

‘Behaviourists explain maladaptive behaviour in terms of the learning principles that sustain and maintain it. Discuss this statement and show how a behaviourist’s approach to therapy is in stark contrast to a psychoanalytic.’ Introduction In this essay I intend to compare and contrast the behaviourist perspective with a psychoanalytical approach to therapy, in relation to the above statement and will explore their fundamental principles and differences. Throughout the centuries, different methods and techniques have been developed to help enhance the quality of therapy for people who suffer from different types of behaviours. Many theories about how and what therapy is and most effective techniques have been sought†¦show more content†¦This was accomplished this by repeatedly pairing the white rat with a loud, frightening clanging noise. He was also able to demonstrate that this fear could be generalized to other white, furry objects. The ethics of the experiment are often criticized today, especially because the childs fear was never deconditioned. The development of ‘behaviourism’ at this point in history has since been viewed as a reaction to the psychoanalytical models of human development presented by Freud and the Neo- Freudians, which at the time challenged and confused many and appeared to lack scientific rigour. The behavioural perspective outlines two processes of conditioning, which are Classical and Operant Conditioning. Classical and operant conditioning are two important concepts central to behavioural psychology. While both result in learning, the processes are quite different. In order to understand how each of these behaviour modification techniques can be used, it is also essential to understand how classical conditioning and operant conditioning differ from one another. The main differences are shown below: Classical conditioning: †¢ First described by Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936), a Russian physiologist †¢ Involves placing a neutral signal before a reflex †¢ Focuses on involuntary, automatic behaviours In his famous experiment, IvanShow MoreRelatedâ€Å"Behaviourists Explain Maladaptive Behaviour in Terms of the Learning Principles That Sustain and Maintain It. Discuss This Statement and Show How a Behaviourist’s Approach to Therapy Is in Stark Contrast to a Psychoanalytic One†.2459 Words   |  10 Pagesâ€Å"Behaviourists explain maladaptive behaviour in terms of the learning principles that sustain and maintain it. Discuss this statement and show how a behaviourist’s approach to therapy is in stark contrast to a psychoanalytic one†. The term ‘therapy’ has been defined as an activity which ‘involves the treatment of a disease or disorder, by some remedial, rehabilitating, or curative process’. Historically, there has been considerable development in the range and types of therapy that can beRead MoreChrysalis module four behaviourism stud3023 Words   |  13 Pagesï » ¿Ã¢â‚¬ËœBehaviourists explain maladaptive behaviour in terms of the learning principles that sustain and maintain it. Discuss this statement and show how a behaviourist’s approach to therapy is in stark contrast to a psychoanalytic one’ In this essay I will first of all explain the main principles and theories that underpin the behaviourist approach to psychology. I will subsequently outline how behaviourist theory can provide therapists with some insight into both the causes of maladaptive behaviour