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Paradigmatic Behavior Therapy

Paradigmatic (psychological) behaviorism is a behavioral framework model that aids clinicians and researchers in the conceptualization of a variety of etiological and maintaining factors that might contribute to an individual's repertoire of behavior—both normal and pathological. The model, unlike single-factor models (e.g., learning theory, cognitive processing, biological factors, or genetic predisposition), delineates the interactive roles of multiple response domains (i.e., affective/physiological, covert/cognitive, and overt/ motor) in the symptomatic presentation of individuals. In addition, the model allows one to conduct a clinical functional analysis and identify appropriate intervention strategies that are tailored to the individual's idiosyncratic presentation through function-treatment matching.

Background of the Model

Arthur Staats proposed paradigmatic behaviorism in an attempt to provide order to the theoretical chaos that pervades present-day psychology and to thus achieve progress in building a body of conceptually consistent principles. The field of psychology consists of many problem areas, methods, and theories that have developed as relatively independent models, often at very different levels of analysis (e.g., operant learning principles vs. personality theory vs. cultural differences). In addition, the various fields of psychology have developed as if they are autonomous, with little interaction and cross-fertilization. The paradigmatic behavioral model integrates research from a variety of fields and from a variety of theoretical perspectives so as to provide a conceptually unified framework theory for psychology. The framework integrates multiple perspectives and levels of approach (e.g., biological and genetic factors, learning theory, cognitive processing, social and cultural influences) into a single multilevel model. Empirical findings and conceptual developments that are regarded as important in the single-factor models are adapted and integrated into the multilevel theory of the paradigmatic behavioral model. In addition, the more advanced and specifically human levels of functioning (e.g., language and thinking) are built upon and integrated with basic levels and principles of behavior (the physiological and conditioning bases of behavior).

Framework of the Model

The general framework of the model and the basic principles are similar for each of the various psychological dysfunctions to which it might be applied; however, the specific processes and the interaction of these processes may differ somewhat for each dysfunction and ultimately should be based on empirical research. Relevant variables within the model are linked together in such a way as to allow sufficient flexibility to incorporate idiographic differences. The model consists of five critical elements: (1) original learning (historical antecedents), (2) unlearned genetic and biological vulnerability, (3) present situational factors, (4) psychological vulnerability, and (5) present symptomatic responses. A brief description of each of these elements follows, as these variables have been explicated more fully in previous works (see list of suggested readings). Examples of each of these variables as they apply to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is provided to demonstrate their usefulness in a clinical functional analysis.

Original Learning (Historical Antecedents)

In the paradigmatic model, original learning refers to an individual's past learning experiences. History, which is sometimes given short shrift in behavioral models, is an important contributor in this framework. Historical antecedents typically include age and developmental/ medical history, socioeconomic status, individual and family history of psychopathology, educational level, and cultural and ethnic background. Additional factors relevant to a particular disorder, such as PTSD, would include prior trauma (including abuse and neglect, as well as accidents, disasters, combat, etc.), coping skills, and substance use and abuse, among others.

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