Rationale of systematic desensitization and covert positive reinforcement

Modification of pain through covert positive reinforcement

This study investigated the effectiveness of covert positive reinforcement in modifying response to cold-pressor pain and in increasing the use of prescribed adaptive imagery. 80 women were randomly assigned to covert positive reinforcement, backward conditioning, covert rehearsal, and expectancy conditions. Covert positive reinforcement did not yield either greater pain tolerance and use of adaptive imagery or less subjective discomfort than the other conditions. Modification of pain was not associated with the use of adaptive imagery but was correlated with the clarity of imagery. 64% of the subjects reported using self-generated coping strategies. The results of this study contribute to the body of evidence which does not support the operant conceptualization of covert positive reinforcement.

Awareness: an understudied cognitive factor in behavior therapy

Taking into consideration the importance of cognitive factors in behavior therapy, this article argues that the role played by awareness has until now been understudied in this field of therapy. A review of the literature concerning verbal conditioning, classical conditioning, knowledge of results as reinforcement, self-monitoring, effectiveness of covert and overt practice in the treatment of phobics, perception of self efficacy, and treatment by habit reversal indicates that awareness is an implicit variable present in each case. A reinterpretation of these areas of research is presented. In addition, when this variable is evaluated systematically, the results indicate that the therapeutic impact of awareness has been underestimated. Some potential clinical applications of this position are discussed as are some new avenues of research.

In vivo cognitive desensitization of flight phobia: a case study

Cognitive restructuring and participant modelling were successfully used to treat a patient with flight phobia. A total of five sessions were required. At a follow-up 14 mo. after treatment had ended, the patient had made two overseas trips without any debilitating anxiety.