ADOLESCENT AGGRESSION AND IMAGERY - CONTRIBUTIONS FROM OBJECT RELATIONS AND SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY

Object relations and social cognitive theory can be combined with the use of imagery in a self-control program with aggressive adolescents. Object relations provide a rationale for merging fantasy and reality p rocesses while social cognitive theory (and its operationalization thr ough cognitive behavioral therapy) provides a general framework in whi ch behavioral and cognitive change techniques are utilized. This is em bedded in a developmental paradigm that promotes the integration of th e past, present, and future as a means of encouraging developmental ma turity and identity. A case study demonstrates how the elaborated proc edure of imagery manipulation can effectively alter behavior in a rela tively brief time. While concerns remain regarding the amalgamation of psychodynamic and cognitive theories, the theories can give rise to a judicious blending of techniques that appear to have good effect in t he case described.