Papers by Christopher Bass
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2006
The behavior analyst today, 2004
This research study was initiated to illustrate the efficacy of two different treatment approache... more This research study was initiated to illustrate the efficacy of two different treatment approaches on aggression and sexually acting out or sexually reactive behaviors. It is also intended to compare said approaches to one another. The rationale of the comparison approach was to attempt to validate and further understand the differences in outcomes of the two different treatment applications. The treatment models compared were as follows: cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mode deactivation therapy (MDT). Keywords: conduct disorders; MDT; personality traits Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Thought Change as a CBT methodology was designed to treat a conglomerate of personality disorders. The treatment of the higher risk, aggressive sex offender focuses on specific deviant sexual arousal and antisocial sub-structure. For the same-sex offender of young children who continues to show deviant interest in young victims, Thought Change addresses the specific indices of this subgroup. Thought Change explores deficits in self-esteem, social competency, and frequent depression. Many of these youths display severe personality disorders with psychosexual disturbances and high levels of aggression and violence; therefore, Thought Change also focuses on the specific individual indices of these issues by identifying and modifying the complex system of beliefs. The Thought Change curriculum consists of a structured treatment program, which addresses the dysfunctional beliefs that drive sex offending behaviors. Topics in the Thought Change curriculum include the following: Daily Record of Negative Thoughts, Cognitive Distortions, Changing Your Thoughts, Sexual Offense System, System of Aggression and Violence for Sex Offenders, Moods (how to change them), Beliefs (how it all fits together), Responsibility, Health Behavior Continuum, Beliefs and Substance Abuse, Beliefs and Empathy, The Beliefs of the Victim/Offender, The Victim/Victimizer, and the Mental Health Medication System. The sections of the Thought Change Workbook are designed to progress sequentially through therapy. It is a record of dysfunctional beliefs prior to, during, and following the sexual offense. Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT) as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) The focus of MDT is based on the work of Aaron Beck, M.D., particularly his recent theoretical work, the system of modes (Beck, 1996, Alford & Beck, 1997). Other aspects of MDT have been included in the Behavior Analytic literature, such as Kohlenberg and Tsai (1993), Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), as well as, Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) (Lineham, 1993). The specific application of MDT and applied methodological implications for MDT with specific typologies is delineated by Apsche, Ward, and Evile (2002). The article also provided a theoretical study case study that illustrates the MDT methodology. Beck, Freeman and Associates (1990) suggested that cognitive, affective and motivational processes are determined by the idiosyncratic structures or schema that constitutes the basic elements of personality. This is a more cognitive approach suggesting that the schema is the detriment to the mood, thought, and behavior. Beck (1996) suggested that the model of individual schemas (linear schematic processing) does not adequately address a number of psychological problems; therefore the model must be modified to address such problems. Working with adolescents who present with complex typologies of aberrant behaviors, it was necessary to address this typology of youngsters from a more "global" methodology, to address their impulse control and aggression. Alford and Beck (1997) explain that the schema typical of personality disorder is theorized to operate on a more continuous basis; the personality disorders are more sensitive to a variety of stimuli than other clinical syndromes. Further study of cognitive therapy emphasizes the characteristic patterns of a person's development, differentiation, and adaption to social and biological environments (Alford & Beck, 1997). …
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2006
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2011
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2006
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2005
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2007
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2013
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2008
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2006
IGI Global eBooks, 2020
This chapter seeks to explore the need for the ongoing growth and development of collaborative ef... more This chapter seeks to explore the need for the ongoing growth and development of collaborative efforts among institutions seeking to serve underserved and underprepared students, especially African American males, and their stakeholders. The chapter provides a brief historical context of public K-12 education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The objective is to provide context for today's academic challenges among African American males, subsequently providing alternatives to the current academic framework, revising the “pipeline” structure with an artery mode. This model reflects a holistic education framework that provides a strong cultural and social foundation; continuity in curriculum, education funding, and policy; and engages all constituents of the community, positively benefitting underserved families and students, particularly African American males.
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2006
The behavior analyst today, 2007
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2007
The International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 2005
The behavior analyst today, 2012
Springer eBooks, 2015
As mentioned throughout, it is likely that dysfunctional behaviors originate from a traumatic chi... more As mentioned throughout, it is likely that dysfunctional behaviors originate from a traumatic childhood that is most commonly encountered in the home. In family-based MDT, the family unit is viewed as the patient by acknowledging the important role that interactions and collective and conflicting beliefs play in the behavior of each individual. Furthermore, the strength of the therapeutic relationship and amenability to treatment is of vital importance in ensuring effective outcomes. This applies to all participants in family-based therapy and we believe that the FMDT process is uniquely suited to address these issues. It is especially the collaborative approach, mindfulness inclination, and Validation-Vlarification-Redirection perspective that contribute to successful treatment outcomes with resistant and distressed families. Furthermore, there are various populations and conditions that are considered difficult to treat, or even untreatable, with psychotherapy. Examples are multiple personality disorders, delusional disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. These all have dysfunctional cognitions in common. Therefore, in this chapter we argue that family-based (and individual) MDT is a viable treatment option to treat any belief or thought-oriented disorder. It is also proposed that the MDT theory and principles could be extended to improve psychological functioning and well-being in adult populations and other applications such as organizational development and performance enhancement.
Springer eBooks, 2015
Dysfunctional beliefs originate from distressful past experiences, most commonly exposed to in th... more Dysfunctional beliefs originate from distressful past experiences, most commonly exposed to in the home during childhood. These events, which often include physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, and neglect, cause a protective psychological response. Such responses have the intent of relieving feelings of distress that the child are subjected to and become automatic when a similar trigger is anticipated. Thus, these embedded fears cause avoidance reactions, which are internalized or externalized depending on the developing personality and predisposition of the young individual. These behavioral expressions of experiential avoidance are therefore best understood by their function instead of form. There is evidence that mindfulness practices reverses feelings of depersonalization and avoidance through an increased awareness and acceptance of the self and others in the present moment. Therefore, mindfulness is an evidence-based practice that is very beneficial for those with trauma-related conditions. The chapter aims to relate the theory and practice of mindfulness and acceptance in family-based MDT with relieving trauma symptoms.
Springer eBooks, 2015
An understanding of the key concepts and principles that form the basis of the family-based mode ... more An understanding of the key concepts and principles that form the basis of the family-based mode deactivation process leads into Part 2 by providing a deeper insight of the meaning, theoretical roles, and practical application of these principles. Therefore, the objective is to describe and explain the most important concepts in theory, but also link to their practical value by means of literature and case examples. The development of each concept in terms of their place in psychotherapy and their underlying theory is important in their role, objective, mechanism, application, and therapist skills required in the context of adolescent treatment. It cannot be overemphasized that Mode Deactivation Therapy (MDT) is a systematic and structured sequential process with suitably well-defined protocols and methodology and each of these concepts has a specific place and meaning in the program, which, in the framework of its theoretical foundation, can be observed and measured—a qualification of scientific validation.
Springer eBooks, 2015
The reported prevalence rates for diagnostic level depressive disorders among 14–18-year-old adol... more The reported prevalence rates for diagnostic level depressive disorders among 14–18-year-old adolescents in the United States are 5.6 %, with subclinical level symptoms estimated at five times higher rates. The prevalence rates for anxiety disorders among adolescents have very similar estimates, with some comorbid overlap between the two. In addition to the impaired executive functioning of adolescents with these presentations, symptoms may mature and be expressed as self-harm and suicidal behavior and personality disorders that are treatment resistant. This chapter will consider special considerations and adjustments for family-based mode deactivation therapy for adolescents with depression and anxiety. Given the apparent size and impact of the problem, it is an important topic to highlight and consider separately in more depth.
Uploads
Papers by Christopher Bass