Adolescent aggression and imagery: contributions from object relations and social cognitive theory

Object relations and social cognitive theory can be combined with the use of imagery in a self-control program with aggressive adolescents. Object relations provide a rationale for merging fantasy and reality processes while social cognitive theory (and its operationalization through cognitive behavioral therapy) provides a general framework in which behavioral and cognitive change techniques are utilized. This is embedded in a developmental paradigm that promotes the integration of the past, present, and future as a means of encouraging developmental maturity and identity. A case study demonstrates how the elaborated procedure of imagery manipulation can effectively alter behavior in a relatively brief time. While concerns remain regarding the amalgamation of psychodynamic and cognitive theories, the theories can give rise to a judicious blending of techniques that appear to have good effect in the case described.