*Modelling and social skills overview

Chapter 17: Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Modelling & Social Skills Training

  • Modelling: A technique where individuals learn by observing the actions of others performing adaptive behaviors.

    • Process: Watch → Imitate → Practice.

    • Significance in therapy: Clients observe a therapist (the model) demonstrating socially effective behaviors.

    • Following the observation:

    • Clients rehearse the behavior using role-play.

    • They receive feedback on their performance and are encouraged to try again.

    • Example:

    • Scenario: Asking someone on a date.

      • The therapist models an assertive way of asking.

      • The client imitates the therapist's approach.

      • Key aspects are not just the wording used, but also the confidence and clarity of the invitation.

Application Areas

  • Modelling is useful for various populations including:

    • Individuals with minor social deficits.

    • Delinquent youth.

    • Individuals with schizophrenia.

    • Pediatric brain tumor survivors.

    • Anyone facing challenges relating to adaptive functioning.

Underlying Mechanism

  • Self-efficacy: The belief that one is capable of performing a particular behavior.

    • When individuals observe a model successfully performing a behavior, it enhances their own belief in their abilities.

    • Observing successful models:

    • Reduces avoidance behaviors.

    • Increases overall performance.

"Third-Wave" Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies

  • An integration of 3rd wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with humanistic principles and Eastern mindfulness practices.

  • Focus Areas:

    • Acceptance of experiences.

    • Heightened awareness.

    • Emotional regulation.

    • Behavior modification.

Mindfulness-Based Treatments

  • Definition: A mental state characterized by

    • Awareness.

    • Focus.

    • Openness.

    • Acceptance of immediate experiences without labeling them as "good" or "bad".

  • Result:

    • Nonjudgmental appraisal of experiences.

    • Helps in reducing emotional reactivity.

Key Concepts in Mindfulness

  • Important ideas include:

    • Noticing thoughts without attempting to combat them.

    • Directly experiencing feelings rather than distracting or avoiding them.

    • Focusing attention on bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions without struggle.

Implementation in Therapy

  • Types of Mindfulness-Based Therapies:

    • MBSR: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

    • MBCT: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.

    • MBRP: Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention.

Therapeutic Mechanisms

  • Mindfulness practices help to:

    • Decrease physiological stress and arousal.

    • Break cycles of habitual emotional escalation.

    • Aid substance abusers in breaking relapse cycles by:

    • Reducing self-blame.

    • Preventing catastrophizing of situations.

Research Findings

  • Study by Bowen et al. (2009):

    • Findings:

    • Individuals within the MBRP group experienced fewer drug/alcohol use days compared to the 12-step group after 2 months.

    • At the 4-month mark, the differences between the groups decreased, indicating that additional booster sessions may be beneficial in sustaining the positive outcomes and differences.