16 research outputs found
Paradoxical intention : a social learning analysis
No full textThe use of paradoxical approaches to psychotherapy has an extensive history dating to Adler. The practice of paradoxical therapy has been hindered by the lack of a testable theoretical framework. Likewise, little experimental evidence exists for the efficacy of paradoxical techniques. This dissertation examines one paradoxical therapy technique, paradoxical intention (PI), from a social-learning theory perspective. The growing experimental literature on PI is critically reviewed with regard to the methodological adequacy of the studies, and the evidence for the efficacy of PI. A testable theoretical explanation of the action of PI is proposed drawing upon two segments of the experimental-clinical literature: l) the effects of uncertainty of aversive stimulation on behavior and arousal, and 2) Bandura's self-efficacy theory. Finally, a program of research is proposed to test aspects of the proposed theory as well as to answer other questions about PI. It is concluded that PI is a potentially facilitative adjunct to exposure methods of anxiety and arousal reduction, but that, due to problems of confounding of PI and exposure treatments in the experimental literature, it is unclear whether PI has any specific therapeutic effects beyond facilitation of exposure.Psy.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Frederick Rotger
Negative reactions to substance-using clients: Where the reactions come from, what they are, and what to do about them.
No full text
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
No full textAs I take the reins from Ernie Drucker as American Editor for Addiction Research and Theory (ART) I can only express something of a sense of awe at succeeding a man who is not only a pioneer in harm reduction, but a solid scientist and scholar. This job will be all the more difficult as a result of the high level of quality and rigor that Ernie, John Davies, Doug Cameron, and Stanton Peele have brought to the journal as the senior editorial team. I hope to be up to the task not only of joining these folks I consider giants in the field, but of carrying on Ernie\u27s fine legacy. Of course, in standing with giants, I also stand on their shoulders, drawing from their ongoing scholarly and scientific examples guidance for my own task of helping to continue the fine reputation of ART and building on that reputation in the years to come
Attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help with mandated clients
No full textMandating counseling has become an increasingly popular alternative to other disciplinary actions in courtrooms, occupational settings, and on university campuses (Kiracofe & Wells, 2007). Despite its long history and growing popularity (Honea-Boles & Griffin, 2001; Kiracofe & Buller, 2009), conducting mandated therapy remains controversial. It has been argued that mandating treatment may deter individuals from seeking mental health treatment voluntarily in the future (Allen & Smith, 2001). It has also been argued that an outside body mandating therapy makes that institution the therapist’s client and, subsequently, the mandating body’s goals take precedence over the client’s goals. The presented study sought to examine attitude change towards seeking professional mental health services and the mitigating role of the working alliance for clients who are mandated to seek therapy. Participants were asked to complete a modified version of the Attitude Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help (ATSPPH) questionnaire developed by Williams et al., (2001) and the client version of the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Form (WAI-S) (Tracey & Kokotovic, 1989). It was hypothesized the numerical difference between the second and first administration of the modified ATSPPH would be positively correlated with the WAI-S. This hypothesis was confirmed. An analysis of the three-factor model for the WAI-S revealed a sizable relationship between attitudes towards seeking therapy and the WAI-S Bond and Goals subscales. Due to the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Considerations for future research include incorporating a measure that assesses for perceived coercion, examining the impact of racial matching with mandated clients, and comparing the use of the modified ATSPPH questionnaire developed by Williams et al., (2001) with the Attitude Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help (ATSPPH-SF; Fischer & Farina, 1995).Psy.D.Includes bibliographical reference
Personality and working memory theories of substance use disorders
No full textContinued high relapse rates following SUDs treatment urges examination of aspects of SUDs which are currently undertreated. There are currently two theories on the development and maintenance of SUDs which offer valuable insight but are underutilized in informing treatment. One theory comes from personality science and views SUDs as hyperactivity of the behavioral activation system (BAS) combined with hypoactivity in the behavioral inhibition system (BIS). The second theory derives from the cognitive branch of psychology and states that low working memory capacity (WMC) is a primary contributor to the development of SUDs. The present paper demonstrates how these two theories intersect to form one unified theory for the conceptualization and treatment of SUDs. The present paper demonstrates that both high-BAS/low-BIS and WMC result in the same behavioral pattern which is observed in individuals with SUDs: impulsivity, the overvaluation of rewards, and the undervaluation of punishment. To improve treatment outcomes for SUDs, future developments in treatment need to target these behaviors.Psy.D.Includes bibliographical reference
