Behavioral
Model
The
behavioral model is based on the relatively straightforward chain of events and
responses illustrated in Figure 69.3. Through the years, considerable effort
and debate have concerned whether stimulus–response and response–reinforcement
relationships
could be
invoked to account for the complexity of human behavior (Kazdin, 1982; Staats,
1964). In its maturity, behavioral therapy has broadened beyond an exclusive
focus on observable behav-iors (i.e., radical behaviorism) and now incorporates
cognitive processes and other individual variables that affect one’s
prepar-edness to learn (Bandura, 1977b; Goldfried and Davison, 1994). For
example, in observational learning, the stimulus–response contingency
relationship is established vicariously, by watching, reading about, or
imagining the event in question. Reinforcement does not have to take place
explicitly; it may occur vicariously, or it may simply be imagined. Other factors,
such as the individual’s past history, inherent talents, or skillfulness of his
or her perti-nent response repertoire, help account for the wealth of
interindi-vidual variability in stimulus–response relationships. Bandura’s
cognitive–behavioral formulation of self-efficacy is one example of a “mental”
construct that has abiding behavioral implications. This modifiable attitude or
belief (roughly akin to self-confidence) influences persistence, willingness to
try new things, optimism and capacity to endure setbacks (Bandura, 1977a).
Related Topics
Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant
Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.