Which of the following approaches is an example of behaviorism?

Which of the following approaches is an example of behaviorism?

• A. Have the client explore forgotten experiences of his childhood.
• B. Interpret the client's dreams that appear only in black and white.
• C. Have the client keep a diary to identify maladaptive responses and possible causes
• D. Have the client play a game in which he begins with 'I'm not O.K.'

Answer: (C)

Behaviorism centers on observable behavior and how it can be changed through conditioning and reinforcement. Having the client keep a diary to identify maladaptive responses and possible causes fits because it produces concrete, measurable data about what actions occur, in what situations, and what outcomes follow them. This allows the clinician to design and apply behavioral techniques—like reinforcement or cue modification—based on what can be observed and recorded, rather than relying on interpretations of hidden thoughts or unconscious material. The other approaches focus on internal experiences or subjective meanings (exploring childhood memories, interpreting dreams, or focusing on self-perception), which align more with psychodynamic or humanistic therapies rather than strict behaviorist methods.

Behaviorism centers on observable behavior and how it can be changed through conditioning and reinforcement. Having the client keep a diary to identify maladaptive responses and possible causes fits because it produces concrete, measurable data about what actions occur, in what situations, and what outcomes follow them. This allows the clinician to design and apply behavioral techniques—like reinforcement or cue modification—based on what can be observed and recorded, rather than relying on interpretations of hidden thoughts or unconscious material.

The other approaches focus on internal experiences or subjective meanings (exploring childhood memories, interpreting dreams, or focusing on self-perception), which align more with psychodynamic or humanistic therapies rather than strict behaviorist methods.