A comparison of cognitive and skills training strategies in the treatment of unassertive clients

doi:10.1016/S0005-7894(78)80015-X

Behavior Therapy

Volume 9, Issue 5, November 1978, Pages 843-846

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7894(78)80015-X Get rights and content

Cognitive behavior modification and traditonal behavioral skills training procedures were compared as treatment interventions for unassertive individuals and found to be equivalent in therapeutic efficacy. Results are discussed with reference to Bandura's model of self-efficacy.

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Irrational beliefs in the cause and treatment of emotional distress: A critical review of the rational-emotive model
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The rational-emotive model of emotional adjustment and psychotherapy (Ellis, 1962) has had a significant impact in clinical psychology during the past two decades. This model has generated a substantial body of research concerning the role of irrational beliefs in the cause and therapeutic alteration of emotional distress. While this body of literature is often cited as supportive evidence for the rational-emotive model, recent criticism of such conclusions have underscored the need for a more critical review of this literature. The present review represents an attempt to critically evaluate the literature concerning the assessment of irrational beliefs, the role of irrational beliefs in causing emotional distress, and the role of irrational beliefs in the treatment of emotional distress. While little disconfirming evidence is found in this literature and a substantial amount of the research findings are consistent with the rational-emotive model, methodological problems and gaps in the literature preclude more than tentative conclusions regarding the model's accuracy. These methodological problems and gaps in existing research as well as suggestions for future research and theory are discussed.
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Experimental psychology has contributed many empirical concepts and paradigms to behavioral theory and practice. While not all behavior therapy techniques can be traced from exact experimental paradigms, a general guiding framework is provided by concepts and methodology derived from behavioral research and theories. In this paper, two concepts are discussed in relation to modern behavior therapy: (1) environmental-behavioral relationship and (2) response probability, with emphasis on the work of Tolman, Hull, Skinner and Brunswick Current studies of “cognitive behavior therapy” are discussed with reference to methodology and techniques. All but one of the studies purporting to compare behavior therapy with cognitive behavior therapy actually mixed regular behavioral techniques with cognitive practices. All of the results can be explained on ordinary behavioral principles. Finally the behavioral basis of attitudes and perceptions is discussed in the light of work by Festinger, Bem, Taylor, Jacobson, Razran and others; and cognitive variables are found to fit very well within a purely behavioral framework. Our concepts and methodology need to be sharpened, rather than clouded, if behavior therapy is to make headway against the traditionalist bulwarks of the psychiatric community.
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A comparison of cognitive and skills training strategies in the treatment of unassertive clients

Behavior Therapy

Cognitive processes mediating behavioral change

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology