Assume you are treating two patients: Betina, who has anorexia, and Sebastian, who has anger management issues with his girlfriend. Using operant conditioning principles like the token system or contingency contracting, suggest a plan to treat them.
What will be an ideal response?
Students' examples may vary.
The answer should contain the following information:
One example of the systematic application of operant conditioning principles is the token system, which rewards a person for desired behavior with a token such as a poker chip or play money. The person can later exchange the chip or play money for an actual reward, such as real money or food. Token systems are most frequently used in institutions for people with relatively serious problems and sometimes as a classroom management technique.
In a variant of the token system, called contingency contracting, the therapist and client draw up a written agreement known as a contract. The contract states a series of behavioral goals the client hopes to achieve. It also specifies positive consequences for the client if the client reaches goals-usually an explicit reward such as money or privileges.
Behavior therapists also use observational learning to systematically teach new people skills and ways of handling their fears and anxieties. For example, modeling helps when therapists are teaching basic social skills such as maintaining eye contact during conversation and acting assertively. Modeling, then, can play a role in resolving some kinds of behavior difficulties, especially if the model receives a reward for his or her behavior.
A therapist may use the token system for Betina, which will encourage her to eat well. She may be rewarded with something she likes for performing the desired behavior.
For Sebastian, contingency contracting and observational learning may work well. A therapist may draw up a list of rules for Sebastian to follow, which may include working to diffuse his anger when he quarrels with his girlfriend. He may also be asked to observe happy and loving couples who are able to work through their issues in a productive manner.
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