Theoretical Perspectives: Social Cognition & Third Wave Theories

Week 10: Social Cognition & Third Wave Theories

Instructor: Dr. Wesam Darawsheh, OTR/L, BScOT, MScOT, PhD
Highlights: 2018-2019 Fulbright Post-Doc Research Grantee; 2020 Cordelia Myers Best Article Recipient

Objectives

  • Third Wave Theories: Understanding the evolution and principles behind these theories.

  • Bandura & Social Cognition Theory: Comprehending the role of observation and imitation in learning social behaviors.

  • Focus of Social Cognition & 3rd Wave Cognitive FRAMEWORKS (FORs): Examining different frameworks that inform third wave therapies.

  • Concepts of Social Cognition & 3rd Wave Cognitive FORs: Includes key concepts such as Holism, Functional Contextualism, Constructivism, and others.

  • Assumptions of Social Cognition Theory: Understanding the foundational beliefs that guide the theory.

  • Function & Dysfunction in 3rd Wave Cognitive FORs: Exploring how these frames perceive functional and dysfunctional behavior.

  • Intrinsic Motivation & Change: Analyzing factors that influence a person’s motivation to change behavior.

  • Transtheoretical Stages of Change: Overview of stages that individuals pass through while making behavioral changes.

  • Evaluation using 3rd Wave Cognitive FORs: Techniques and tools for assessing clients within this framework.

  • Intervention using 3rd Wave Cognitive FORs: Strategies to facilitate change based on third wave theories.

Third Wave Theories

  • Definition: Third wave theories represent a significant evolution in behavioral therapy.

  • Reaction to Earlier Waves: These theories emerge as a response to prior, more rigid frameworks, focusing instead on the individual’s relationship with their thoughts rather than the content of thoughts themselves.

Historical Context

  • First Wave (1950s–1960s): Behavior Therapy

    • Focus: Observable behaviors

    • Method: Conditioning to alter actions

  • Second Wave (1970s–1980s): Cognitive Therapy

    • Focus: Cognitive restructuring

    • Method: Aiming to change irrational or dysfunctional thought patterns

  • Third Wave (1990s–Present): Contextual/Mindfulness-Based Therapy

    • Focus: Acceptance and mindfulness

    • Aim: Change the context and function of thoughts rather than eliminating symptoms (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)).

Social Cognition Theory

Processes in Social Cognition

  1. Attention: The process of noticing and focusing on significant stimuli.

  2. Interpretation: Understanding and making sense of observed behaviors or events.

  3. Memory: Retaining and recalling experiences or socially learned behaviors.

  4. Judgment: The formation of opinions based on observations (exemplified through Bandura's work).

Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiments

  • Established that children learn social behaviors such as aggression through observation and imitation rather than only direct reinforcement.

Focus of Social Cognition & 3rd Wave Cognitive FORs

  • Thought Process: Integrating thought processes for self-determination and social participation towards wellness and prevention, particularly in clients with mental health issues.

Assumptions of Social Cognition Theory

  • Learning through Observation: Individuals learn by observing others.

  • Internal Process: Learning is primarily an internal cognitive process.

  • Motivation: People are inherently motivated to achieve their goals.

  • Self-Regulation: Individuals actively regulate and adjust their own behavior.

  • Reinforcement Effects: Positive and negative reinforcement have indirect effects on behavior, stemming from healthier behaviors.

Concepts from Third Wave Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Holism

  • Definition: The understanding that all parts of a person's experience are interconnected and a whole cannot be understood by examining parts separately.

Functional Contextualism

  • Definition: Emphasizing the function of cognition over its form, signifying that every aspect of a client's story and experience contributes to understanding their issues.

Constructivism

  • Definition: Knowledge is constructed and organized by individuals based on their own experiences.

Relational Frame Theory

  • Definition: This concept examines how memories and experiences influence problem-solving capabilities, relating experiences to one another and categorizing them in the brain.

Cognitive Fusion and Diffusion

  • Cognitive Fusion: How experiences and memories attach poignantly to one another.

  • Cognitive Diffusion: Becoming aware of thoughts and feelings without over-identifying with them.

Pragmatism

  • Definition: Focuses on the practical application of thoughts, emphasizing how functionality can lead to progressive movement.

Mindfulness

  • Definition: The state of being aware of the current moment without judgment, encapsulating full presence in the here and now.

Function & Dysfunction In the Context of Third Wave Cognitive FORs

Function

  • Personal Agency: Exercising personal and proxy agency enables individuals to understand their roles and choose favorable relationships and environments.

  • Self-Awareness: Ability for individuals to self-manage health/symptoms, define personal values and priorities, and articulate occupational goals.

  • Human Agency: Central to recognizing capability and promoting intentionality and self-efficacy in client thought processes.

Dysfunction

  • Characteristics:

    • Disordered thinking leading to confusion

    • Lack of awareness and self-knowledge

    • Absence of supportive relationships

    • Loss of control over aspects of life

Intrinsic Motivation & Change

  • Concept: Individuals are motivated by the need for challenge and mastery, with self-determination creating connections to others.

  • Supported by Factors: Competence, autonomy, and relatedness are crucial for fostering intrinsic motivation.

Questions to Assess Motivation

  • Does the individual possess human agency, autonomy, and the capability for self-direction?

  • How can chaotic environments be addressed to foster change?

Transtheoretical Stages of Change

  1. Pre-contemplation: No intention of taking action in the next 6 months.

  2. Contemplation: Intending to take action within the next 6 months.

  3. Preparation: Initial steps are taken for action within 30 days.

  4. Action: Behavioral change has occurred but for less than 6 months.

  5. Maintenance: Behavioral change sustained for more than 6 months.

  6. Relapse: Potential for returning to previous behaviors.

Evaluation Using 3rd Wave Cognitive FORs

  • Techniques for Evaluation:

    • Observation of behaviors and contextual effects on occupational performance.

    • Utilize the Kawa model for symbolic representation through activities like "Draw Your Wall".

    • Implement reflection prompts and sensory assessments alongside life satisfaction and role inventories.

  • Informal Analysis: Includes behavioral assessments and semi-structured interviews to identify problem areas.

Intervention Strategies Using 3rd Wave Cognitive FORs

  • Types of Interventions:

    • Education on cognitive and behavioral processes

    • Problem-solving skill training

    • Development of coping strategies and self-management approaches

    • Enhancing self-efficacy and awareness

    • Supporting self-identity and personal life goals

Specific Interventions
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Definition: A specialized form of CBT aimed at treating borderline personality disorder.

  • Core Areas:

    1. Core mindfulness

    2. Interpersonal effectiveness

    3. Emotion regulation

    4. Distress tolerance

  • Considerations: Training or mentorship is suggested for more stable individuals, highlighting the need for acceptance of emotions and motivation for change.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Concept: The "silver lining" thought process emphasizes growth through adversity.

  • Practice: Small changes can yield significant differences in coping and functioning.