THE BEHAVIOR ANALYTIC PERSPECTIVE - ITS NATURE, PROSPECTS, AND LIMITATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR-THERAPY

Behavior analysis is defined as a natural science approach to behavior -with both basic and applied branches-and contrasted with cognitive ps ychology. Behavior analysis is described as an integrated science that views a person's interactions with the environment as selecting certa in behaviors-or rather, environment-behavior relations-making them mor e probable, given certain subsequent stimulus situations. It seeks an understanding that promotes effective action, which fits the clinical interests of behavior therapy. It promotes persistent searching for en vironmental causes, which has resulted in a remarkable range of succes ses, clinical and other. We explore the reasons that all behavior ther apists are not behavior analysts and suggest needed future development s. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.