Behavior Therapy Review Term Paper

Total Length: 718 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 2

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Behavior Therapy

Over the last several years, behavioral therapy has become a discipline many mental health professionals are embracing. However, like numerous schools of thought there are disputes about its effectiveness in changing the way someone reacts to different events. To fully understand the impact requires examining the ideas of the founders, the motivational constructs, the nature of maladjustment, the goals of counseling therapy and the techniques which are utilized. Together, these elements will highlight the long-term effects and how this will influence an individual's behavior. (McKay, 2009) (Robbins, 1991) (Spiegler, 2009)

Founder(s) of the theory

The primary founders of behavior therapy include: Edward Thorndike, Joseph Wolpe and BF Skinner. Edward Thorndike is the original pioneer. In 1911, he concluded that an individual's behavior could be modified. Joseph Wolpe examined different types of therapy and their impact on patients. While BF Skinner, concentrated on using conditioning to influence the way some reacts to various stimuli. Each one of these men helped to establish the idea, that changing an individual's thoughts will transform their behavior. (McKay, 2009) (Robbins, 1991) (Spiegler, 2009)

Nature of the person including innate capacities and/or capabilities, if any, and motivational constructs according to the theory.


The various founders wanted to identify ways of altering how someone reacts to stimuli. This is designed to assist them in addressing different kinds of mental and emotional challenges in their lives. It is at this point, when their innate capacities and capabilities are able to better understand those techniques that are most effective in achieving these objectives. The basic motivational construct is to encourage the person to want to change their behavior and thoughts in the process. This will enable them to feel sense of control over what is happening to them. (McKay, 2009) (Robbins, 1991) (Spiegler, 2009)

Nature of maladjustment (how do people develop mental illness) according to the theory.

According to the theory, most people will develop mental illness based upon their environment, thoughts and feelings. These factors create a world where they will react negatively to actual events and their interpretation of them. Over the course of time, this will cause the person to tell themselves disempowering….....

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"Behavior Therapy Review" (2013, October 13) Retrieved June 28, 2025, from
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"Behavior Therapy Review", 13 October 2013, Accessed.28 June. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/behavior-therapy-review-124501