Behavioral Self-Control Training: Definition, History, and Implications
Introduction
Behavioral self-control training (BSCT) is a psychotherapeutic technique that has been used in clinical practice for over four decades. It is a widely accepted form of intervention for a variety of mental health issues, including substance abuse, impulse control disorders, and emotional regulation. The goal of this article is to provide an overview of the definition, history, and implications of BSCT.
Definition
Behavioral self-control training (BSCT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy technique used to help individuals modify behaviors that are preventing them from achieving their goals. The primary goal of BSCT is to improve the individual’s ability to regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behavior in order to reach desired outcomes. It is based on the principles of operant conditioning and involves teaching individuals to understand the consequences of their behavior and to use self-management strategies to alter their behavior in order to achieve desired outcomes. The process of BSCT begins with the identification of target behaviors, followed by the development of a treatment plan that focuses on changing maladaptive behaviors and replacing them with more adaptive responses.
History
Behavioral self-control training (BSCT) dates back to the early 1970s, when it was developed by psychologist Joseph Wolpe. He was inspired by the work of B.F. Skinner, who developed the principles of operant conditioning. Wolpe’s work focused on the use of systematic desensitization, a technique that is still widely used today. In the 1980s, psychologist Arnold Lazarus further developed BSCT, introducing the concept of cognitive restructuring, which is the process of changing one’s thought processes in order to alter behavior. BSCT has since been adapted and used for a variety of mental health issues, and is now considered an evidence-based treatment.
Implications
Behavioral self-control training (BSCT) has been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues. Studies have found that it can be used to help individuals with substance abuse issues, impulse control disorders, and emotional regulation. BSCT can also be used to help individuals with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. It has also been found to be effective in helping individuals with learning disabilities, as well as those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, BSCT can be used to help individuals develop better decision-making skills, self-awareness, and self-management.
Conclusion
Behavioral self-control training (BSCT) is a widely accepted psychotherapeutic technique that has been used in clinical practice for over four decades. It is based on the principles of operant conditioning and involves teaching individuals to understand the consequences of their behavior and to use self-management strategies to alter their behavior in order to achieve desired outcomes. BSCT has been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues, including substance abuse, impulse control disorders, and emotional regulation.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Treatment of substance use disorders. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/treatment-substance-use-disorders
Kazdin, A. E. (2020). Behavior modification in applied settings. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
Lazarus, A. A. (1985). Cognitive-behavioral therapy. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Wolpe, J. (1972). The practice of behavior therapy. New York, NY: Pergamon Press.