Covert sensitization refers to the use of aversive imagery to reduce the occurrence of an undesired response; cognitive–behavioral intervention to reduce unwanted behaviors by having clients imagine the extremely aversive consequences of the behaviors and establish negative rather than positive associations with them. It is a form of Aversion therapy in which patients are directed to imagine themselves engaging in an undesired behavior and then are instructed to imagine extremely aversive events occurring once they have the undesired behavior clearly in mind.

Description

Covert sensitization is a psychological technique used in behavior therapy to help individuals eliminate unwanted habits or behaviors. It involves associating a negative stimulus with the undesirable behavior through vivid imagery or mental rehearsal. This form of aversion therapy aims to create a strong, negative association in the individual's mind, ultimately leading to a reduction or cessation of the behavior. Covert sensitization is often used to treat various conditions such as substance abuse, compulsive behaviors, and phobias. The process typically involves guided visualization and cognitive restructuring to change the individual's response to certain triggers or stimuli. It is important for the individual to fully engage in the process and actively participate in creating and reinforcing the negative associations.

Application Areas

  • Substance abuse
  • Compulsive behaviors
  • Phobias

Treatment and Risks

  • Treatment typically involves multiple sessions with a trained therapist who guides the individual through the process of creating negative associations.
  • Risks include the potential for the negative associations to become generalized to other areas of the individual's life, leading to unintended consequences.
  • It is important for the therapist to closely monitor the individual's progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure effectiveness and minimize risks.

Examples

  • Using covert sensitization to help a smoker associate the smell of cigarettes with a strong negative reaction to reduce the desire to smoke.
  • Applying covert sensitization to help an individual with a fear of flying imagine a plane crash whenever they think about boarding a plane.

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

  • Aversion therapy
  • Covert conditioning
  • Imaginal desensitization

Articles with 'Covert sensitization' in the title

  • Covert sensitization therapy: Covert sensitization therapy refers to the pairing of mental images of alcohol with other images of highly unpleasant consequences resulting from its use in order to create an aversive reaction to the sight and smell of alcohol and reduce . . .

Summary

Covert sensitization is a psychological technique used in behavior therapy to help individuals eliminate unwanted habits or behaviors by creating a strong negative association through guided visualization. It is often applied to conditions such as substance abuse, compulsive behaviors, and phobias. The treatment involves multiple sessions with a therapist to actively engage the individual in the process of creating and reinforcing negative associations. Risks include unintended consequences if the negative associations become generalized. Overall, covert sensitization can be an effective tool in behavior modification when used appropriately.

--


Related Articles to the term 'Covert sensitization'

'Aversion therapy' ■■■■■■■■■■
Aversion therapy refers to the condition ing technique for attempting to eliminate unwanted behaviour . . . Read More
'Correction' at quality-database.eu ■■■■■■■■■
Correction in quality management refers to actions taken to eliminate a detected nonconformity. It is . . . Read More
'Orgasmic reconditioning' ■■■■■■■■
Orgasmic reconditioning refers to learning procedure to help clients (patients) strengthen appropriate . . . Read More
'Cognitive Behavioral Therapy' ■■■■■■■■
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) refers to the treatment focused on changing negative patterns of thinking . . . Read More
'Condition' ■■■■■■■■
Condition refers to a term with a number of biomedical meanings, among them are: 1. An unhealthy state, . . . Read More
'Resolution' at environment-database.eu ■■■■■■■■
Resolution: A resolution is a formal statement from Congress. Other definitions are following: . . . Read More
'Overcorrection' ■■■■■■■■
Overcorrection is defined as an aversive behavior modification technique that involves having a child . . . Read More
'Interventions' ■■■■■■■
Interventions refer to specific programs designed to assess levels of behaviors, introduce ways to change . . . Read More
'Exposure' ■■■■■■■
exposure refers to a behavior therapy technique for treating anxiety disorders that exposes the subject . . . Read More
'Outcome recording' ■■■■■■■
Outcome recording when you record a response or when you see the result of the behavior. Outcome recording . . . Read More