BEHAVIOR-THERAPY AT CENTURY CLOSE

Although its impact has been less than originally hoped, behavior ther apy has profoundly influenced psychotherapy over the second half of th e 20th century. Behavior therapy has dominated controlled outcome rese arch on psychological therapy, has led the field in the development of empirically validated treatments, and has become the treatment of cho ice for several adult and childhood clinical disorders. Behavior thera py has also responded to advances in psychological science and clinica l practice by broadening its conceptual base to incorporate cognitive principles and procedures. Yet, important gaps between science and pra ctice remain.