B.F. Sinner's Behaviorist Approach: Bipolar II Disorder

        

One would be hard pressed today to find a pure behavioralist who treated Bipolar II Disorder.  However, there are underpinnings of the “operant conditioning” theory discovered by B.F. Skinner.  Within the structure of the personality Skinner believed the more a behavior was practiced the better developed it would become.  He did not view the person as the diagnosis or as a sick person.  The behaviors being expressed were merely maladaptive.  He believed a change in behavior could be affected through positive reinforcement.  (Cervone & Pervin, 2023).  Shaping is a treatment tool used to encourage positive reinforcement.  One of the shaping techniques used is Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT).  Several skills training for the individual with BPDII using IPSRT including: psychoeducation, psychopharmacology education and skills training to assist with the promotion of mood regulation, psychotherapy for mood regulation, and other life skills trainings to help build a consistent routine. Swartz, Levenson, and Frank (2012) conducted a feasibility study for which they acknowledged additional BPII trials need to be conducted to evaluate feasibility.  Meeting people where they are an integral part of Skinners theory was foundational during the assessment of “operant conditioning” wherein they would be conducted in such settings as classrooms and hospitals (Galassi & Perot, 1992).  What this looks like for BPDII is to continually assess for comorbidity such as AOD, anxiety, or depression.  Combined with other psychological fields of study such as cognition, efficacy rates improve.         

References

Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. (2023). Personality theory and research (Fifteenth ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Retrieved from ISBN 9781119891673

Galassi, J. P., & Perot, A. R. (1992). What you should know about behavioral assessment. Journal of Counseling & Development, 70, 624-638.

Swartz, H. A., Levenson, J. C., & Frank, E. (2012). Psychotherapy for bipolar II disorder: The role of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Professional Psychology, Research and Practice, 143(2), 145-153. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027671

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