Radical Behavior Interventions (From Correctional Counseling and Rehabilitation, Third Edition, P 127-143, 1997, Patricia Van Voorhis, Michael Braswell, et al, eds. - See NCJ-169329)

• NCJ Number: 169335
• Author(s): D Lester; M Braswell; P Van Voorhis
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Overview Text
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Behavior modification, or behavior therapy, stands in stark contrast to psychoanalytical, insight-oriented strategies of offender intervention.

Abstract

Perhaps the most significant difference concerns the effectiveness of behavioral strategies in contrast to psychoanalytic models. Research now shows the best chance of achieving success with offenders may rest with radical behavioral strategies. Behavioral models differ from psychoanalytical models in their approach and assumptions. Most notably, behavioral models deal with the present, whereas psychoanalytical models devote considerable time to uncovering, understanding, and healing the past. Further, behaviorists do not assume pathology or illness is the cause of dysfunctional behavior. According to the behavioral perspective, criminal behavior is learned behavior that can also be unlearned. Behavioral interventions include classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and efforts to decrease problem behavior. Ways in which nonbehavioral counseling strategies use behavioral reinforcements are noted, and specific considerations to guide planning for behavior modification programs are highlighted. 3 figures