Behavior therapy is
the application of principles to real life situations derived from learning theory such as
classical and operant conditioning.
A sport psychologist had a bowler track the correct execution of elements of the
bowling swing (e.g., grip, follow through, balance) or problems with the execution
of these elements. This is an example of
self-monitoring.
In many weight loss programs, clients learn to eliminate high fat tempting foods
from their homes which reduces the temptation to eat these foods while building
stimulus-response connections to better food choices. This is an example of
Environmental Stimulus Control.
Generalization means
maintenance of behavior change across time and circumstances.
A fitness professional removes the client's least favorite exercise from their next
session when the client adheres to his or her nutrition program. This is an
example of
negative reinforcement.
Researchers were able to increase the percentage of correct executions of
different tasks in football, gymnastics, and tennis by focusing on using modeling.
This demonstrated the effectiveness of
behavioral coaching.
Contingency contracting
involves the use of explicit agreements specifying expectations, and plans for the
behavior to be changed.
When you smell one of your favorite foods, you may immediately salivate and
have a strong desire to eat it. This is an example of
classical conditioning.
A wellness professional wanted to increase the amount of walking a client did.
The client liked to socialize with friends at a pub. So the wellness professional
suggested that to get to the pub and socialize (the likely behavior) the client
should walk to pub (unlikely behavior) rather than drive. This is an example of
Premacking.
Progressive Relaxation
consists of tensing and relaxing specific muscles groups throughout the body.