Read the passage and answer the questions:
Abby is very annoying by nature. He does not follow what his parents say and refuses to obey them. He constantly bothers his parents and classmates with his improper behavior and does not regularly complete the homework given by his teachers. After seeing Abby’s behavior, his parents take him to a psychotherapist in order to understand why he behaves the way he does. The psychotherapist planned to administer behavioural therapy for modifying his behaviour.
Which of the following is not a technique used in behaviour therapy?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Cognitive restructuring
Option (1) Token economy — A behaviour therapy technique (Incorrect). Tokens are given for each wanted behaviour and later exchanged for a reward.
Option (2) Cognitive restructuring — Not a behaviour therapy technique (Correct). It is the aim of cognitive therapy (Aaron Beck): through gentle questioning the client sees the faulty thinking behind her or his distress and changes these thought patterns, which reduces anxiety and depression. It works on thoughts, not directly on behaviour.
Option (3) Modelling — A behaviour therapy technique (Incorrect). The client learns a behaviour by watching a role model.
Option (4) Systematic desensitisation — A behaviour therapy technique (Incorrect). The relaxed client faces a hierarchy of fear-provoking situations, from the mildest upward, until the fear is overcome.
NCERT (2025-26): “Behaviour Therapy … Behaviour therapies postulate that psychological distress arises because of faulty behaviour patterns or thought patterns. It is, therefore, focused on the behaviour and thoughts of the client in the present. The past is relevant only to the extent of understanding the origins of the faulty behaviour and thought patterns. The past is not activated or relived. Only the faulty patterns are corrected in the present. The clinical application of learning theory principles constitute behaviour therapy. Behaviour therapy consists of a large set of specific techniques and interventions.…” “Cognitive Therapy … The questions make the client think in a direction opposite to that of the negative automatic thoughts whereby s/ he gains insight into the nature of her/ his dysfunctional schemas, and is able to alter her/his cognitive structures. The aim of the therapy is to achieve this cognitive restructuring which, in turn, reduces anxiety and depression.…” |