The role of attribution and self-perception in behavior change: implications for behavior therapy

In this report extrapolations were made to behavior therapy from two related lines of social-psychological research: attribution and self-perception. A review of the relevant research literature on attribution suggested that (a) the perception and causal attribution of physiological arousal is an important determinant of emotional behavior and (b) self-attribution of behavior change increases the likelihood of maintenance of that change. A review of research concerned with Bem's self-perception theory indicated that inferences arising from self-observation of one's own overt behaviors may affect subsequent behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. These two lines of research converge in suggesting that an individual's perception of himself (in terms of overt behavior, situational circumstances, and physiological states) may have a marked influence on behavior change and the maintenance of that change. In the major body of this paper the implications of this research are discussed, particularly in terms of new procedures and specific modifications for existing procedures in behavior therapy. The major areas of behavior therapy discussed include: (a) behavioral assessment; (b) role playing (behavior rehearsal); (c) operant procedures; and (d) self-control strategies. Emphasis was placed upon treating the specific implications delineated as hypotheses requiring empirical investigation in the clinical arena. Strategies for such research were outlined.