CLINICAL BEHAVIOR-THERAPY AND THE EXPERIMENTAL-ANALYSIS OF BEHAVIOR

Advances in areas of behavior analysis are discussed to show the relev ance of experimental science to behavior therapy. It is concluded that there are many areas of mutual interest between experimental operant psychologists and behavior therapists that may serve to enhance the cl inical efficacy and range of behavior problems addressed by behavior t herapists. Specific examination is given to areas of experimental beha vior analysis such as reinforcement. including schedules of reinforcem ent; the matching law: advanced issues in stimulus control; the intera ction between operant and classical conditioning; behavioral momentum; rule-governed behavior; and stimulus equivalence. The argument that b ehavior therapists are not knowledgeable about behavior analysis is di sputed, and it is concluded that behavior therapists are in a unique p osition to be the practice professionals best able to utilize the prin ciples of learning and behavior analysis in the service of adaptive be havior change. (C) 1998 John Wiley Et Sons. Inc.