Behavioral Activation for Treatment of Depression

Behavioral activation as a treatment for unipolar depression has strong research support; the research has shown positive treatment outcomes and a reduction of depressive symptoms. Behavioral activation is used by some clinicians, and cited by researchers, for its simplicity and ease of implementation. Behavioral activation focuses on engaging individuals in more pleasurable activities, increasing their sense of mastery and competency and improving their overall mood.

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After reading both “Behavior Therapy/Behavioral Activation for Depression” and “Behavioral Activation for Depression,” consider the question(s) below. Then “submit” your response.

Question 1

Behavioral activation draws a great deal of its interventions and strategies from what theory?

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Question 2

Who laid the foundation and came up with the theory that led to the development of Behavioral Activation when he developed the first behavioral treatment for depression?

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Question 3

Contextual functional analysis uses what framework to focus and individualize the intervention?

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Question 4

During periods of depression some individuals engage in experiential avoidance, escaping uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and situations by intentionally or unintentionally avoiding certain experiences or engaging in certain negative experience. Name at least two examples of experiential avoidance.

One possible answer might be, in terms of avoiding certain experiences, that the individual would cancel dinners or hangouts with friends, as well as avoid phone calls. In terms of negative experiences, the individual would use alcohol or other drug substances, or he or she could spend excessive amounts of time in the house or in bed.

Question 5

Avoidance tends to lead to fewer opportunities for positive reinforcement from a person’s environment. How does behavioral activation increase opportunities for positive reinforcement?

One possible answer might be that behavioral activation includes scheduling activities, which forces an individual to structure his day to include multiple activities. Behavioral activation also allows the individual to gain mastery and competency by creating a hierarchy of behaviors and activities for the person to engage in over time. He starts with small goals, receives positive reinforcement and reward from their completion, and then moves on to more difficult or challenging goals.