Behavioral approach: concept, essence, features and representatives

Dictionary interpretation

First of all, we need to clearly formulate the essence of the behavioral approach, its meaning. So, this term refers to the area in psychology that studies the behavior of people as a species and animals. It is assumed that all actions are based on reflexes, as well as on various reactions to certain factors coming from the environment. An important criterion for an individual’s behavior is his personal history, that is, life experience. It alternates between rewards and punishments, motivation and disappointment - they determine the further reaction to specific events. Often the behavioral approach in psychology is called behaviorism - the term comes from the English word Behavior - “behavior”. It is worth noting that behaviorists - scientists who deal with this area of ​​psychology - understand that a hereditary factor can also influence an individual’s behavior. But at the same time, they place greater “responsibility” for certain actions on the environment.

Basics of Behavioral Psychology

Behavioral psychology was born in the United States and dominated other fields of psychology in the first half of the 20th century.

J.B. Watson is considered the founder of behavioral psychology. In his report published in 1913, he writes that from the point of view of behaviorism, psychology is an objective experimental branch of the natural sciences, and the goal of behaviorism is to predict and control human behavior.

Behavioral psychology

“Knowing how to achieve control through incentives, without resorting to yelling and coercion, makes life easier for everyone, educator and learner alike.”

Karen Pryor

Introspective psychology, which is considered biased, is rejected by behaviorism. Behavioral psychologists believe that objective conclusions can only be drawn by studying observable facts (behavior) that can be measured and quantified.

Purpose of Behavioral Psychology

The Behavioral Manifesto, published by J. B. Watson in 1913, marked a turning point in psychology. Behaviorism became its main direction due to its pragmatism.

The idea of ​​behavioral psychology is to guide and change people's behavior so that they can transform their lives. To implement this ambitious project, you need to know the laws of behavior, predict and control it.

That is, in order to be able to influence the result, you need to know what causes it.

Founders

While studying the history of this area of ​​psychology, at the same time we will get acquainted with its representatives. The behavioral approach began to emerge in the second half of the 19th century, after such areas of science as depth psychology and the law of effect (the latter explains how behavior changes due to reinforcement) became widely known. The “father” of this term and its essence was the American scientist John Brodes Watson. His methodological behaviorism suggested that it is worth paying attention exclusively to signals entering a person’s consciousness from the external environment. At the same time, his thoughts and feelings can be ignored, since they do not affect behavior. Soon this theory began to be challenged by Burres Frederick Skinner, who realized that feelings and thoughts are controlled by the same areas of the brain as external stimuli, therefore, they are also impetuses for certain reactions. His version came to be called radical behaviorism and became more widespread.

It is interesting to know that Watson was supported in his judgments by our scientist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov - we all know about his dogs and their reaction to the “bell”.

Scientific directions

To begin with, let's remember another discipline with which psychology has close ties - biology. Using a biological approach, the scientist tries to trace the relationship between human behavior and the processes occurring in his nervous system, primarily the brain.

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For example, supporters of the biological approach focus on the role of genetics in the formation of character, and explain certain personality traits (for example, introvertism) primarily by differences in the structures of the brain or the chemical substances that are formed in it. https://www.youtube.com/embed/wDNV4EWhZF8

Modern methods of studying the brain, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and others, make it possible to study the state of the brain more deeply than before and provide extensive material for study within the framework of biopsychology.

The behaviorist approach (from the English behavior) approach, as the name implies, considers external behavioral manifestations, refusing to study internal states. Behaviorists saw their task as establishing relationships between external stimuli and human responses to them, which, they believed, constituted behavior. This direction was especially influential in the first half of the last century, and today the ideas of behaviorism have remained relevant in practical psychology and pedagogy.

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Even people far from psychology have probably heard about such a branch of this science as psychoanalysis. The name of the founder of this theory, as well as the treatment method based on it, is also widely known. The Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud believed that all human actions are controlled by unconscious drives, the most important of which are sexual energy and the energy of death.

The unconscious manifests itself in slips of the tongue, mistakes, symptoms of mental disorders, conflicts, and is also reflected in human creative activity. The impulses of the unconscious conflict with the demands of the external environment, and therefore various psychological defense mechanisms are launched (the most famous is repression), which help to ease tension and regulate human behavior. The psychoanalyst must help the patient become aware of the traumatic experiences repressed into the unconscious and free himself from them.

Cognitivism is based on the fact that the decisive role in human psychology is given to the process of obtaining and assimilating knowledge. A cognitive psychologist studies cognitive processes, that is, imagination, thinking, memory, speech, problem solving, and so on. This direction likens the human psyche to a computer, drawing an analogy between the process of converting information by an electronic device and the brain.

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Humanistic psychology was formed in the 50-60s of the 20th century under the influence of the ideas of Abraham Maslow, Henry Murray and Carl Rogers, who were interested in the meaning of needs and motives in human actions and activities. This psychological approach contrasts itself with cognitivism, behaviorism and psychoanalysis.

Representatives of humanistic psychology believe that behavior is not determined either by the processes of thinking and perception, or by external stimuli, or by unconscious drives - this simplifies the approach to a person too much. The subject of study of humanistic psychologists is a unique personality who strives for self-actualization and is in constant development, and the subjective experience of an individual person is almost more important for them than the study of general patterns.

Many versions

The original theory of the behavioral approach to the study of the reactions of living beings to certain factors has become a real resonance in the world of psychology. No matter how cheesy it may sound, everyone who was not too lazy was involved in the study of this topic, and therefore the most ridiculous judgments were sometimes put forward. But among them, from time to time, very worthwhile thoughts surfaced, which later turned into full-fledged types of behavioral approach, or variations. Essentially, each of them is telling the truth - it's like comparing the judgment of Watson and Skinner. Therefore, every modern psychologist decides for himself which theory is closer to him and is guided by it. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with each of them in turn.

Radical behaviorism

The second and much more significant theory of the behavioral approach, also proposed by an American named Skinner. Most likely, it became a winner precisely because of its versatility and a kind of “psychological cosmopolitanism.” In other words, Skinner believed that it is worth taking into account not only stimuli from the environment that “affect” a person, but also his feelings and thoughts that overcome him at a particular moment in time. Equally important is experience - both negative and positive. The hereditary factor was also taken into account, because at the genetic level, representatives of certain types of living organisms (including people - here we had to distinguish by race and culture) also have specific beliefs that influence behavior. This behavioral approach has become universal and is probably still the most widespread and correct in psychology.

Contraindications

Behavioral psychotherapy is contraindicated in some cases. This applies to those patients who have a persistent impairment of consciousness if they cannot understand what is required of them. This entails the inability to perform exercises and tasks aimed at treatment.

Absolute contraindications:

• worsened psychoses;
• prolonged depression in severe form;
• deep UO.

Relative contraindications:

• personality disorders - a course of treatment will be effective only if the psychotherapist manages to establish trusting contact with the patient;
• mild form of mental retardation - treatment is possible, but only with the selection of simple tasks and exercises that the patient can cope with.

Each specific case of contacting a psychotherapist is considered individually.

Psychological behaviorism

For the first time, under the influence of a scientist named Arthur W. Staats, the behavioral approach becomes not just a theory supported by a small number of experiments, mostly performed on animals, but a half-practical field of knowledge. In terms of theory, Staats developed a kind of time-out system, that is, a break from certain factors/thoughts that could influence human behavior, as well as a system of tokens - rewards. Experiments have already been carried out on humans, mainly on children with mental disorders. This experience allowed us to reach new heights in the field of education, cultural and social development, as well as the prevention of many nervous disorders.

From study to application

After Staats demonstrated his experiments to the world, the basics of the behavioral approach immediately became the basis for adjusting the behavior of various groups of individuals. In essence, theory was turned into practice - and nothing more. In the course of such manipulations, a new area of ​​practical knowledge emerged - applied behavior analysis. It is based on the principles of radical behaviorism, with the help of which reactions to certain stimuli in a particular person or group of people are corrected. These are the so-called behavioral approach techniques, of which there are countless. Let's list some of them. So, using radical behaviorism, you can control and change:

• Autism spectrum disorders.
• Conservation of natural resources.
• Physical education and a healthy lifestyle.
• Language learning.
• Medicine.
• Parenting.
• The fight against drugs.
• Attitude towards animals.
• Leadership and management sphere.

In a word, the technique of radical behaviorism can be applied absolutely everywhere, and the influence can be exerted both on a specific individual and on a group of people.

Examples of CBT exercises

Cognitive techniques are divided into several groups. The exercises of the first group are aimed at identifying negative attitudes. For example, keeping a diary of thoughts and then evaluating them. The exercises of the second group are aimed at challenging the identified attitudes. For example, a person might make a list of the pros and cons of a particular attitude. The exercises of the third group are aimed at correcting ideas. For example, by repeating a positive attitude it is possible to weaken the influence of a provoking factor and eliminate a maladaptive stereotype. Exercises of the fourth group are aimed at increasing the effectiveness of therapy, for example, identifying hidden motives for destructive behavior.

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Methodology

This section is also called behavioral therapy and is very often used in practical psychology to correct certain human reactions and habits. The therapy is based on conditioning and learning. By following certain methods of the behavioral approach, you can completely change the map of your own actions and actions, and become a different person. Thanks to these techniques, they get rid of bad habits, acquire new skills and inclinations, and begin to look at the world in a new way and interact with it differently. The methodology was first successfully put into practice by Watson's students at the end of the 19th century. They taught children not to be afraid of animals. The following techniques were involved in this process, which remain relevant to this day.

Learning and Assimilation

An unshakable foundation that allows you to change your behavior as much as possible or get rid of a bad habit. The method is based on a model - it can be an idol, a figurine or symbol, a film, a story, an action or a staged performance. The type of illustrative example is chosen depending on who exactly the psychologist is working with. Let’s say a child starts smoking, but at the same time becomes interested in the work of specific musicians, and they, in turn, support a healthy lifestyle. The psychologist reminds the teenager that even his idols do not do this, and he, imitating the model, weanes himself from the bad habit. Similarly, you can accustom a person to something, for example, to study more or learn a foreign language.

It is important to note that in this work it is necessary to use a reward system. In the standard version, for children these are sweets, for adults - valuable things or money.

Indications

Behavioral psychotherapy does not treat all mental disorders, but only those that are based on a clear and persistent violation of acquired skills and incorrectly developed methods of action. Indications for contacting such a specialist:

• panic attacks;
• phobias;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• depression, dysthymia, bipolar affective disorder, cyclothymia, manic syndrome;
• eating disorders: bulimia, anorexia, psychogenic overeating, allotriophagia;
• sexual psychogenic problems based on psychopathy, endogenous psychoses and character accentuations;
• schizophrenia;
• antisocial, deviant behavior;
• insomnia, nightmares;
• hyperactivity;
• autism;
• poor performance at school, speech therapy problems in children.

As practice shows, therapy is effective in the treatment of many physiological diseases: hypertension, migraine, bronchial asthma, stomach problems.

Unlearning

A much more stringent method in behavioral therapy, which is based on the explicit avoidance of one or another factor that should be gotten rid of. Using the same system of rewards for positive actions and a system of punishments and fines for negative ones, a person gradually begins to lose the habit of doing what he should not do. The most interesting thing is that the unlearning technique can be effective not only on the mental or psychological level, but also on the physical. A clear example from the first area is alcoholism. When a person begins to drink alcohol, the process should be accompanied by an extremely unpleasant odor that causes vomiting. Gradually, alcohol will begin to be associated with just such negative feelings. An example from physiology is enuresis. A special device is attached to the patient, which reacts to the appearance of urine. At the same moment, the patient awakens and realizes that he is urinating.

Treatment

Despite the variety of methods, treatment in behavioral psychotherapy is carried out primarily according to one scheme:

Behavioral therapy is often used for children who are struggling in school. For example, the shaping method for speech therapy correction, when the main task is divided into a small chain of correct behavioral acts:

Repeat the syllable after the teacher → Read it correctly yourself → Read the whole word correctly → Read an unfamiliar word correctly → Read the whole phrase correctly

At each stage, a method of systematic desensitization is used.

Behavioral therapy is incredibly effective for autistic people. She breaks down all the skills that are difficult for them into separate blocks: speech, contact, play, listening and looking into the eyes. Each of these actions is mastered gradually.

An example of one of the very first exercises in behavioral psychotherapy for autism, “Language - Understanding”:

1. Assignment: Raise your hand when asked.
2. Hint: the specialist himself takes the child by the hand and raises it, pronouncing the task.
3. Stimulus: encouragement in the form of praise or sweets.
4. Independent completion of the task.

Autistic children perform this exercise only 5 or even 10 times.

Elimination

A very effective method that has become widely known as systematic desensitization. Its essence is that fear or phobia is suppressed by a state of relaxation. Let's say a person is very afraid of heights and, being on the roof of a skyscraper, begins to experience not only conscious anxiety. His body begins to react to fear: muscles contract, pulse quickens, blood pressure rises. So the body and consciousness unite in a state of horror, and the person finds himself completely paralyzed in front of his phobia. If you break this connection, the fear will dry up, and this can be done either by teaching your consciousness not to notice the height (which is almost unrealistic, because it decided to be afraid of this phenomenon), or by relaxing physically. The second option is simpler to implement. Therefore, a person is deliberately placed in the environment where he feels the greatest anxiety, and at the same time, with the help of medications or certain psychological manipulations, his muscular corset is relaxed and his cardiac indicators are reduced. Gradually the fear completely disappears.

Becoming a different person

After reading all of the above, we can conclude that your behavior, your character and habits can be radically changed. Anyone can get rid of the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol, their fears, illnesses and other things that may bother and cause discomfort. The technique is universal and can be used by both people with certain problems and those who simply want to change something in their lives and become better. The most interesting segment is the application of a behavioral approach to the management of society, organization, finance, etc. In other words, this is the development of leadership qualities, strengthening oneself as an individual.

McGregor's works

The first scientist who managed to introduce behaviorism into the field of management was Douglas McGregor. According to his interpretation, the behavioral approach to leadership is nothing more than a careful study of the habits and actions of a particular “boss” and imitation of them. There are certain specific features in the behavior of each leader that unite this category of people:

• High intelligence.
• Self confidence.
• Certain socioeconomic status.
• Responsibility.
• Communication skills.
• Objectivity.

In all other respects, the qualities of a leader are determined by the organization or group of people that he “possesses.” An equally important factor is the environment - for example, the leader of an agricultural community will know a lot about agriculture, but at the same time will not be able to remember any of the presidents of America, and the leader of a financial organization will be well versed in the economic sphere, in the sociological sphere, in banking, and even in legal, but is unlikely to be able to competently grow watermelon or potatoes. That is, each pot has its own top.

Types of leaders

In the behavioral approach to leadership, McGregor identified two theories - X and Y. They are like two types of leader, and each of the theories is applicable in all spheres of activity: both agricultural and economic.

• Theory X - authoritarianism and despotism. The implication is that people initially do not want to work and are shirking in every possible way. They do not need acts of ambition, but crave security. For such people to work, strict control and a system of punishments and threats are necessary.
• Theory Y - democracy and integration. Labor is the basis of every person’s life, in it he realizes himself. Under favorable conditions, each employee will be able to take on part of the responsibility and independently strive for success. Introducing people to simple and understandable rules and common goals allows each of them to control themselves. As a result, the leader only combines all the achievements of the employees and corrects the blots. The team works holistically, and the result exceeds all expectations.

Which theory is truer?

There is no and cannot be a correct answer to this question. Both theories are equally correct, and the correctness of one or the other depends on the mentality of people, their abilities and skills, experience and type of activity. In fact, there are still organizations that practice authoritarian leadership systems. Many employees are really simply not accustomed to order and self-control; they refuse to work in every possible way, so for such mistakes they need to be fined and subject to penalties. As a rule, people with a low level of intelligence behave this way, and this phenomenon occurs mostly in underdeveloped countries. A more progressive society most often works according to scheme Y - that is, the boss is part of the team, a connecting link, and not a Cerberus. Each of the employees understands perfectly well that the success of the company will in any case affect his success, so he is not lazy, but works and makes every effort to do this, using creativity and practical skills.

Behavioral psychology - books

We offer you a list of 4 books that reveal the phenomenon of human behavior.

1. “Coping behavior. Current state and prospects” – a team of authors.

The book is addressed to a wide range of specialists interested in the adaptive capabilities of a person faced with difficult life situations.

2. “How to find the key to solving any situation. 30 rules for effective communication, conflict resolution, behavior management” - Larisa Bolshakova.

This book contains thirty new psychological techniques. How to avoid a conflict situation and find a compromise? How to find a key to any person? What to do to overcome aggression? And much more!

3. “Organizational behavior” – Lyudmila Zgonnik.

The book examines the essence of organizational behavior, various aspects of managing the behavior of individuals and groups in an organization.

4. “The power of habit. Why we live and work this way and not otherwise” - Charles Duhig.

Duhigg's observations and discoveries largely complement and develop the ideas of Nobel Prize laureate in economics Daniel Kahneman, author of the best-selling book “Thinking Slow... Decide Fast.”

The book is recommended for reading to everyone who is working on themselves and wants to change their life!