Question 1

How has sex therapy been linked to the behavioral approach?

Accepted Answer

Sex therapy has been closely linked to the behavioral approach through its emphasis on specific, observable, and changeable sexual behaviors and the use of behavioral techniques to address sexual dysfunctions and improve sexual health and satisfaction.

The behavioral approach to therapy is grounded in the principles of behaviorism, a psychological perspective that focuses on the study of observable behaviors rather than internal mental states. Behaviorists believe that all behaviors, including sexual behaviors, are learned through interactions with the environment and can be modified through the application of various learning principles, such as conditioning and reinforcement.

In the context of sex therapy, the behavioral approach has been influential in several ways:

1. **Focus on Behavior Modification**: Sex therapy often involves helping individuals or couples change specific sexual behaviors. This might include exercises to increase or decrease certain activities, to alter the context in which sexual activity occurs, or to modify the responses to sexual stimuli.

2. **Systematic Desensitization**: This is a behavioral technique used to reduce anxiety associated with sexual activity. It involves gradually exposing a person to the anxiety-provoking stimulus (e.g., sexual intercourse) in a controlled and stepwise manner, often combined with relaxation techniques, to diminish the fear response.

3. **Sensate Focus Exercises**: Developed by Masters and Johnson, these are structured touching exercises that encourage couples to focus on the sensations of touch rather than on achieving sexual arousal or orgasm. This helps to reduce performance anxiety and increase intimacy and communication between partners.

4. **Communication Training**: Effective communication is a key component of healthy sexual relationships. Behavioral sex therapy often includes training in communication skills to help partners express their needs, desires, and boundaries more clearly and without judgment.

5. **Homework Assignments**: Behavioral sex therapy typically involves homework assignments that couples or individuals are encouraged to complete outside of therapy sessions. These assignments are designed to practice and reinforce the skills learned in therapy.

6. **Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques**: While not purely behavioral, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combines behavioral techniques with cognitive restructuring to address the thoughts and beliefs that influence sexual behavior. This approach is effective in treating a variety of sexual dysfunctions.

7. **Empirical Validation**: The behavioral approach emphasizes the importance of research and evidence-based practice. Many behavioral techniques used in sex therapy have been empirically validated, meaning they have been tested and shown to be effective through research studies.

By focusing on the modification of sexual behaviors and the use of empirically supported techniques, sex therapy within the behavioral approach has helped countless individuals and couples overcome sexual difficulties and enhance their sexual experiences. It provides a practical framework for understanding and addressing sexual issues, making it a cornerstone of modern sex therapy.

Question 2

Which of the following is not an underlying assumption of behavior therapy?

Accepted Answer

A)  Normal and abnormal behaviors are acquired and maintained in identical ways.
B)  Assessment is an ongoing part of treatment.
C)  Behavior disorders represent learned maladaptive patterns.
D)  To modify or extinguish behavior,it is necessary to discover the set of circumstances in which the behavior was learned. D

Question 3

Integrative couples therapy:

Accepted Answer

A)  derives from psychoanalysis.
B)  is a strictly behavioral approach.
C)  seeks partner acceptance.
D)  developed from the Milan model. C

Question 4

What makes the behavioral approach unique among all psychotherapeutic endeavors is its:

Accepted Answer

A)  attention to the formative years in the family life cycle.
B)  insistence on a data-based set of procedures.
C)  concern with electroshock processes.
D)  concern with family narratives.

Question 5

_____________________ Training couples in communication skills,the exchange of positive reinforcements,cognitive restructuring,and problem-solving skills in order to facilitate marital satisfaction.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____________________ Training couples in communication skills,the exchange...

Question 6

Cognitive-behavioral therapists traditionally work at three related levels.Which is not one of these levels?

Accepted Answer

A)  Underlying assumptions
B)  Automatic thoughts
C)  Schemas
D)  Affect

Question 7

Functional family therapists believe:

Accepted Answer

A)  all behavior is adaptive.
B)  it is essential to distinguish altruistic from malevolent behavior.
C)  that linear explanations apply to children's behavioral problems.
D)  in intrapsychic but not interpersonal explanations.

Question 8

A problem analysis:

Accepted Answer

A)  tries to uncover the underlying problem.
B)  pinpoints the specific behavioral deficit.
C)  measures therapeutic changes.
D)  None of the answers are correct.

Question 9

Of the following,who is not considered a pioneer in cognitive and/or behavior therapy?

Accepted Answer

A)  Selvini-Palazzolli
B)  Patterson
C)  Liberman
D)  Stuart

Question 10

Aaron Beck views depressed persons as:

Accepted Answer

A)  psychotic.
B)  immature.
C)  overwrought with feelings.
D)  making errors in thinking.

Question 11

_____________________ A behavioral assessment of a problem in order to determine what interpersonal or environmental contingencies elicit the problematic behavior and how to extinguish or reduce its occurrence.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____________________ A behavioral assessment of a problem...

Question 12

_____________________ An assessment procedure in which a therapist identifies the targeted behavior to be changed,determines the factors currently maintaining the behavior,and formulates a treatment plan that includes specific criteria for measuring the success of the change effort.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____________________ An assessment procedure in which a...

Question 13

Define and describe "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define and describe "The Four Horsemen of...

Question 14

Which of the following does not characterize Meichenbaum's work with distressed clients:

Accepted Answer

A)  emphasizing narrative repair.
B)  establishing caring days.
C)  incorporating a constructivist perspective.
D)  involving collaborative sessions.

Question 15

Contingency contracting is a behavioral procedure that is probably most useful with:

Accepted Answer

A)  young children.
B)  adolescents.
C)  college students.
D)  the elderly.

Question 16

Cognitive-behavioral family therapists rely,for assessment purposes,on:

Accepted Answer

A)  observable behavior.
B)  underlying causal agents inside family members.
C)  projective techniques.
D)  All of the answers are correct.

Question 17

_____________________ A therapeutic approach based on systems theory,cognitive theory,and behavioral principles in which clients are helped to understand the function or interpersonal payoff of certain of their behaviors as a prelude to substituting more effective ways to achieve the same results.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____________________ A therapeutic approach based on systems...

Question 18

Behavioral couple therapists sometimes have partners list desirable behaviors each wants from the other,as a demonstration of commitment to the relationship.These are what is to be exchanged as part of:

Accepted Answer

A)  caring days.
B)  communication guides.
C)  "fair play" lists.
D)  couple change days.

Question 19

Which of these statements is true?

Accepted Answer

A)  Sex therapy has become more medicalized in recent years.
B)  Most sex therapy programs today call for daily sessions.
C)  Beck's sex therapy model is still predominant in the field.
D)  Kaplan's behavioral model remains a popular approach for sexual dysfunction.

Question 20

Albert Ellis employs the use of:

Accepted Answer

A)  schemas.
B)  attributions.
C)  cognitive restructuring.
D)  operant conditioning.

Exam 12: Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Models