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The neglect of data-gathering instruments in behavior therapy practice.
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Pennsylvania/EPPI, Philadelphia 19129.
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Many behavior therapists underutilize key assessment tools like the Willoughby Personality Questionnaire and Fear Survey Schedule. This neglect may stem from a flawed, generalized view of neurosis, indicating issues in behavior therapy training programs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- The Willoughby Personality Questionnaire and Fear Survey Schedule are valuable tools for behavior therapy.
- Despite their utility, many behavior therapists do not routinely use these instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the extent to which behavior therapists utilize the Willoughby Personality Questionnaire and the Fear Survey Schedule.
- To investigate potential reasons for the underutilization of these assessment tools.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to Clinical Fellows of the Behavior Therapy and Research Society.
- 134 responses were collected and analyzed to assess the usage rates of the specified instruments.
Main Results:
- Only 19% of respondents routinely used the Willoughby Personality Questionnaire.
- The Fear Survey Schedule was routinely used by only 42% of behavior therapists.
- Low usage rates suggest a potential underappreciation of standardized assessment in practice.
Conclusions:
- The underutilization of the Willoughby Personality Questionnaire and Fear Survey Schedule indicates a potentially homogenized and oversimplified approach to neurosis treatment.
- This trend reflects poorly on the quality and comprehensiveness of current behavior therapy training programs.
- There is a need to re-emphasize the importance of diagnostic and assessment tools in behavior therapy education and practice.