The idea behind the Behavioral Theoretical Model is the learned behaviors. According to Mathew et al., (2017), this is a model whose theoretical viewpoint emphasizes the study of observable behaviors, especially as they pertain to the process of learning. The emphasis from this model is that only observable behavior should form the object of study, as this can be witnessed, described, and measured in objective terms. The theory further focuses on the role of environmental and how environmental interaction produces learned behavior. The school of thought has it that people can learn a particular behavior n a specific systematic manner regardless of the states of the mind to learn a lot of things about a person or an animal in the environment. The level of interaction between a person or an animal with its experiences, thus modifies the behaviors. The interaction can be a traumatic experience, the relationship between a person or an animal with the environment, lessons, movies, and the interaction between a person with friends and teachers as well as the family. All these situations have a resulting impact on the result of the person's behaviors.
In this sense, the model assumes that only observable behaviors are objective and people should study them as other traits like cognition, moods, and emotions are subjective to changes. The model further assumes that “any person can potentially be trained to perform any task, regardless of genetic background, personality traits, and internal thoughts (within the limits of their physical capabilities). It only requires the right conditioning” ( Welter, Mauer&Wuebker, 2016). Also, the theory assumes that a person can be trained to develop any trait that can be useful to adapt to any situation within the environment. Additionally, the school of thought assumes that when a person discovers the stimuli that cause behavior, such a discovery can enable such an individual to control or avoid such behavior. Another assumption that shapes this model is that responses to the environmental stimuli are due to the experience within the environmental, and they do not stem from the instincts.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Different concepts aid people to deeply understand the behavioral theoretical model. For instance, there is a concept such as conditioning leaning that attunes to the mode of learning through conditions that shape the behaviors in the environment. Under this conditioning leaning, there are other concepts such as classical learning and operant conditioning, which also are critical to understanding the theory. Furthermore, making an effort to understand different concepts under this theory, such as associational leaning and rewards and punishment as other forms of the condition that enforces learned behaviors in the environment, is also a step towards understanding the behavioral theoretical model.
The cause of changes under Behavioral Theoretical Model
The changes under this model are caused by two types of conditioning, which are classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning is the most known owing to the famous Ivan dog experiment. People mostly use classical conditioning in behavioral training. The changes, in this case, is caused by associating a neutral stimulus with a naturally occurring stimulus. Eventually, the neutral stimulus comes to evoke the same response as the naturally occurring stimulus, even without the naturally occurring stimulus presenting itself. The interaction between the conditional stimulus in this case and the learned behaviors or the conditional-response is what defines the change.
Operant conditioning or instrumental conditioning is where individuals reinforce learning behaviors through conditions such as punishment. Through operant conditioning, people make an association between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior. Operant conditioning is one of the most useful approaches the teachers use to enhance performance among students in the classroom.
Specific therapy approaches
For this discussion and the sake of the case study under discussion, cognitive behavior therapy, which is a type of behavior therapy, will be useful for the client in this case and also for the discussion regarding behaviors change in the environment. Note that cognitive behavior therapy tries to combine the behaviors and the mental status to find a lasting solution to challenges that stem from psychological issues and behavioral issues. In this sense, CBT is suitable for a patient suffering from mental and behavior matters in society. Also, aversion therapy would be critical in this case ( Leahy & Holland, 2000).
Case Study on
The case of Thomas is a case of behavior issue, and the Theoretical behavioral model could be significant in explaining Thomas’s problem. According to this model, individuals learn behaviors, and any personal trait can be modified by the environmental interactions to fit into a specific character that can later define the behaviors of that particular person. Take a case of Thomas; he was born and raised in a family where drug use was a familiar phenomenon. For instance, both the father and grandfather all died because of the cases of a drug overdose. Also, Thomas admits to the fact that in some cases, he used to take drugs together with such family members. In this manner, it could be said using this model that due to the interaction between Thomas and such close family members, Thomas’ behaviors modified by such interactions. Therefore, it was the environment of his upbringing that had a massive influence on his alcoholic and drug abuse behaviors.
Another way Thomas’ behaviors could be explained using the Theoretical behavioral model is by focusing on the traumatic experiences that Thomas underwent. One of the most used assumptions under this model states that responses to the environmental stimuli are due to the experience within the environmental, and they do not stem from the instincts. For instance, people can assume that Thomas’ reaction or response to the environment, such as an overdose of drugs is a result of traumatic experiences that he witnessed and are still haunting him. Note that a family friend sexually molested Thomas at a young age. Furthermore, he also witnessed a female friend die of drugs that he took to her. Individuals should not ignore these traumatic instances regarding the case.
While assessing Thomas’ case using this model, it is thus critical to major on the past experiences Thomas underwent, such as traumatic experiences that later defined how he reacts towards people and the environment. Further, it is also critical to assess the retaliation between Thomas and his mother, which is described in this case as fractured. It is also vital in this case to understand Thomas’ case from the point of how he related with some of the family members such as the father and grandfather and how those relationships could have shaped his mindset on drugs used in his life. In this sense, it is critical to consider such behaviors to come up with an intervention that could be critical in rectifying such behaviors.
The intervention strategies
All the rectification strategies, in this case, should target the behaviors. Aversion therapy deals with associating behaviors to a painful event, which could be important in this case. Note that one of the assumptions under the behavioral theoretical model is that the response is due to the experiences that people get in the environment ( Hersen, 2005). In this case, if Thomas’ drug addiction could associate or link with some painful events such as death cases of the father and grandfather, it could help him avoid any sight of drugs and thus could reduce his addiction level. Further, cognitive behavioral therapy could also help in this case by developing a coping-up mechanism for these patients. The root of the behavioral model is that people learn behaviors; therefore, through the use of cognitive behaviors, Thomas can be taught positive behaviors that could help him avoid drug use and stabilize his life ( Rabbie & Lodewijkx, 2018).
The level of evidence
Numerous pieces of evidence support the use of behavioral theoretical models. For instance, the Ivan Dog experiment is one of the most used and common behavioral experiment that people apply in this field. It proves the effectiveness of the model. Besides, the use of motivation and incentives in the classroom and other areas, such as the workplace, are other pieces of evidence that emphasize the effectiveness of this approach in practice. Furthermore, numerous authors have proved the effectiveness of this model. For instance, Thompson et al., (2018) did a literature review research whose result revealed the effectiveness of this approach. In this review, 76% of the literature revealed that the use of this model was effective in different areas where it was applied.
Strengths and limitations
The following are some of the advantages of this model. First, it focuses on observable, measurable behaviors, and also it can be scientifically replicable. Furthermore, the model is critical in modifying behaviors in the real-world, and lastly, it is useful for many behavioral therapies in the real world that focus on behaviors. The model also has some weaknesses. For instance, the model does not account for biological influences, which are also significant in defining behaviors. Further, it does not consider mental issues such as moods and feelings.
References
Hersen, M. (Ed.). (2005). Encyclopedia of Behavior Modification and Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Volume I: Adult Clinical Applications Volume II: Child Clinical Applications Volume III: Educational Applications . Sage Publications.
Leahy, R. L., & Holland, S. J. (2000). Treatment plans and interventions for depression and anxiety disorders . Guilford Press.
Mathew, A. R., Hogarth, L., Leventhal, A. M., Cook, J. W., &Hitsman, B. (2017). Cigarette smoking and depression comorbidity: a systematic review and a proposed theoretical model. Addiction , 112 (3), 401-412.
Rabbie, J. M., &Lodewijkx, H. F. (2018). A behavioral interaction model: Toward an integrative theoretical framework for studying intra-and intergroup dynamics. Understanding group behavior (pp. 255-294). Psychology Press.
Thompson, L. M., Diaz-Artiga, A., Weinstein, J. R., & Handley, M. A. (2018). Designing a behavioral intervention using the COM-B model and the theoretical domains framework to promote gas stove use in rural Guatemala: a formative research study. BMC public health , 18 (1), 253.
Welter, C., Mauer, R., &Wuebker, R. J. (2016). Bridging behavioral models and theoretical concepts: effectuation and bricolage in the opportunity creation framework. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal , 10 (1), 5-20.
