Learning Objectives for Participants:
- Operationally define overt and covert symptoms of depression.
- Identify problematic contingencies maintaining the depressive symptoms.
- Devise an individualized treatment package that targets depressive symptoms for reduction while differentially reinforcing alternative replacement skills.
- Establish environmental modifications that promote maintenance of replacement skills.
Description of Type 2 / Learning CE Event:
In this session, depression will be examined through the lens of verbal behavior analysis. We will discuss the covert and overt symptoms of depression that are needed for a clear operational definition, examine the complexity of tacts and mands in the verbal behavior of a depressed individual, and investigate possible contingencies maintaining the depressive symptoms. This session will also present possible treatment interventions (e.g., functional communication training and cognitive-behavioral therapy) and examine how to differentially reinforce alternative replacement skills to address the functions identified for individual symptomology.
Skill Level: Beginner