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The operant side of behavior therapy.

¹Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

|September 1, 1988

Summary

Behavioral science shifts focus from internal mental states to observable behaviors and environmental factors. This approach analyzes external contingencies to understand and modify behavior, linking behavioral health with medical health.

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Area of Science:

Behavioral Science
Psychology
Behavioral Therapy

Background:

Historically, behavior was attributed to internal feelings and thoughts, which are difficult to observe and measure.
This mentalistic approach obscured important distinctions and limited scientific understanding of behavior.
The inaccessibility of internal states posed a significant challenge for objective study.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the limitations of studying internal mental states as the primary drivers of behavior.
To introduce and illustrate the operant side of behavior therapy.
To analyze the role of environmental variables in shaping behavior.

Main Methods:

Identification and analysis of variables that function as determinants of behavior.
Examination of contingencies (external and internal to the clinical setting) influencing behavior.
Application of operant principles to characteristic problems in behavior therapy.

Main Results:

As more behavioral variables are identified and analyzed, the need for mentalistic explanations decreases.
Behavioral analysis provides a more objective framework for understanding and modifying behavior.
The study illustrates practical applications of operant behavior therapy.

Conclusions:

Observable behavior and environmental factors offer a more scientifically tractable approach than internal mental states.
Behavioral health is intrinsically linked to medical health, suggesting a holistic approach to well-being.
Operant principles provide effective tools for behavior modification and therapeutic interventions.

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