Applications of the Principles of Behaviorism

The behaviorism of Watson has resulted in applications in psychology and

many other disciplines. The most notable form of application of Watson’s

behaviorism is the psychological treatment known as systematic desensitization.

This treatment was created by South African psychiatrist JosephWolpe

(1915-1997). Systematic desensitization was designed to reverse the outcome

of the classical conditioning process in which extremely intense negative

emotional responses, such as fear or anxiety, are elicited by everyday aspects

of the environment. This outcome is referred to as a phobia. The

treatment first requires training in relaxation. The second component of

treatment takes a person through a hierarchy of steps beginning with a setting

very distant from the feared stimulus and ending with the problem setting.

At each step, the individual is asked to note and in some manner signal

the experiencing of fear or anxiety and then is instructed to relax. Movement

through the hierarchy is repeated until the person can experience

each step, including the one that includes the feared stimulus, and report

feeling relaxed at every step. This treatment has been employed in both the

clinic and in real-life settings. Systematic desensitization has been shown to

be an effective intervention for fears associated with, for example, dental

treatment and flying, as well as the intense anxiety that accompanies social

phobia and panic disorder.

Applied behavior analysis is the field of application that has arisen out of

Skinner’s behavioral principles. Applied behavior analysis was introduced

first in educational settings. Applications in education have occurred at every

level from preschool to university classrooms. Equally important has

been repeated successful application to learners with autism, severe and

profound delays in behavioral development, and attention deficit disorder,

with and without hyperactive behavior. The application of behavioral principles

has been shown to be effective across behaviors, settings, individuals,

and teachers.

Applications of behavioral principles have also been shown to be effective

in reducing behaviors that pose a threat to public health, including

smoking, overeating, essential hypertension, and domestic violence. Finally,

behavioral principles have found application in the arena of public safety.

For example, researchers using techniques based on Skinner’s science of behavior

have increased seat belt usage by automobile drivers.