How to Work with Self Defeating Behaviours
Word Count: 2452
Describe and evaluate two approaches to the treatment of self-defeating behaviour. The approaches should be selected from those introduced in module 5
Introduction
In this essay I plan to describe and evaluate two approaches to the treatment of self defeating behaviour. I will do this by describing self defeating behaviour, including its origins, causes and maintenance and then I will proceed to describe two treatments that might be offered by a therapist working with this and how it would impact on the behaviour presenting itself.
Ever wondered why people engage in seemingly self-destructive behaviour? That is, why do people do things that appear to be against their best interests? Why do they continue to engage in troublesome behaviour even though it consistently leads them into a state of utter misery? We have all seen this in our friends and even, regrettably, in ourselves.
For example, consider the following scenarios:
A) The friend who always chooses dead-beat partners. Why should someone who is very bright and outstanding in their field, always choose "dead-beat" partners? While their unemployed friend relaxes and "lives high off the hog," she is busily working, paying living expenses and taxes for two. Eventually, she questions the wisdom of her ways and finishes her relationship with her partner, only to replace them with a "look-a-like". To everyone else, the warning signs are apparent, but she is ignoring them. Why can she not see what is transparent to those closest to her?
B) What about those smart and talented colleague with unique skills? Why does she always end up underpaid and overworked? She admits that she would like to find another job, but she feels it would be disloyal to cut back on her 80-hour work week to make time to pursue that goal. So, she subordinates her own goals and ambitions to the "higher goal," while her boss is out developing his consulting business. Although she sounds angry, she seems unaware of
Describe and evaluate two approaches to the treatment of self-defeating behaviour. The approaches should be selected from those introduced in module 5
Introduction
In this essay I plan to describe and evaluate two approaches to the treatment of self defeating behaviour. I will do this by describing self defeating behaviour, including its origins, causes and maintenance and then I will proceed to describe two treatments that might be offered by a therapist working with this and how it would impact on the behaviour presenting itself.
Ever wondered why people engage in seemingly self-destructive behaviour? That is, why do people do things that appear to be against their best interests? Why do they continue to engage in troublesome behaviour even though it consistently leads them into a state of utter misery? We have all seen this in our friends and even, regrettably, in ourselves.
For example, consider the following scenarios:
A) The friend who always chooses dead-beat partners. Why should someone who is very bright and outstanding in their field, always choose "dead-beat" partners? While their unemployed friend relaxes and "lives high off the hog," she is busily working, paying living expenses and taxes for two. Eventually, she questions the wisdom of her ways and finishes her relationship with her partner, only to replace them with a "look-a-like". To everyone else, the warning signs are apparent, but she is ignoring them. Why can she not see what is transparent to those closest to her?
B) What about those smart and talented colleague with unique skills? Why does she always end up underpaid and overworked? She admits that she would like to find another job, but she feels it would be disloyal to cut back on her 80-hour work week to make time to pursue that goal. So, she subordinates her own goals and ambitions to the "higher goal," while her boss is out developing his consulting business. Although she sounds angry, she seems unaware of
Bibliography: Berglas, Steven & Baumeister, Roy F.; (1993) Your Own Worst Enemy: Understanding The Paradox of Self-Defeating Behaviour; Basic Books; New York Cardwell M, Clark L & Meldrum C; (2003); Psychology for A levels; Collins Educational; Hammersmith. Cardwell, M & Flanagan, C (2004); Psychology A2; Nelson Thornes; Cheltenham Chrysalis; (2010); Module 2-1: The Here and Now; Dwyer, D & Scampion, J (1995); Work Out Psychology; Palgrave Macmillan; Basignstoke Gross, R Mcilveen & R Coolican & H Clamp, A & Russel, J; (2000); Psychology: A New Introduction; Hodder and Stoughton; London Lieberman David J.Ph.D; (1997); Instant Analysis; St. Martin’s Press; New York Reber, A