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The Constructional Approach:
a Behavioral Ecology Approach to Psychotherapy Goldiamond's Constructional Approach to Psychotherapy is a structured approach to using non-linear functional analysis in the psychotherapeutic setting. Problem behaviors are analyzed in relation to desired outcomes using a non-linear analysis. The non-linear analysis involves determining, when possible, the array of consequences (cost/benefit analysis) as well as discriminative stimuli for target behaviors, the absence of target behaviors, and for alternative behaviors that share crucial consequences with the target behavior (functionally equivalent alternatives). By examining the full array of consequences for target behaviors the reasons why one alternative is chosen over another can be clarified and different alternatives may be chosen for shaping. Problem behaviors are seen as behaviors which gain clients important outcomes at high cost. Alternatives that afford the same crucial outcomes for lower cost can then be programmed in the therapy. The Constructional Questionnaire, a guideline for the initial interview, and Weekly Program Worksheets, a structured form for weekly assignments provide the structure for the analysis and the subsequent programming. Keywords: psychotherapy, non-linear analysis, constructional approach, cost/benefit analysis |
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