Experiments and Exposures Attitudes, Affect, and Action in CBT with Youth

DOI: 10.5176/2251-1865_CBP13.70

Authors: Rosa M. Poggesi, Sarah Tabbarah, Melissa E. Tamas, Nina M. Pacholec, Robert D. Friedberg, Lisa C. Hoyman, Micaela Thordarson, Nathan Chow

Abstract:

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an action-oriented, emotionally activating approach that alters young pa-tients’ thinking patterns. Indeed, experiments and exposures propel new learning in CBT. There is a clear emphasis on mak-ing changes rather than talking about change. Not surprisingly then, mobilizing effective attitudes, productive affective respons-es, and proper action tendencies is essential in creating enduring therapeutic change. This paper specifically discusses ways to influence attitudinal, affective, and action systems in behavioral experiments.

Young patients are active information processors. Their atti-tudes shape their willingness to experiment, process their experi-ences during experimentation, and capacity to shape their result-ing conclusions after completing the experiment. Accordingly, specific strategies for helping young patients construct adaptive attitudes are recommended.
Good behavioral experiments and exposures are affectively arousing. Indeed, any experiential learning task is emotionally awakening. Learning requires immediacy and nothing provides immediacy more than affective activation. This paper provides attendees with specific recommendations for scaffolding affec-tively stimulating experiments
Finally, exposure and experiments require action. Well-designed experiments create new action patterns in young pa-tients. They teach young patients ways to approach rather than avoid. Accordingly, rubrics and rudiments for crafting effective experiments and exposures are explained.

Keywords: experiments; exposures; CBT; youth; anxiety