Adolescent aggression and imagery: contributions from object relations and social cognitive theory.
Object relations and social cognitive theory can be combined with the use of imagery in a self-control program with aggressive adolescents. Object relations provide a rationale for merging fantasy and reality processes while social cognitive theory (and its operationalization through cognitive behavioral therapy) provides a general framework in which behavioral and cognitive change techniques are utilized. This is embedded in a developmental paradigm that promotes the integration of the past, present, and future as a means of encouraging developmental maturity and identity. A case study demonstrates how the elaborated procedure of imagery manipulation can effectively alter behavior in a relatively brief time. While concerns remain regarding the amalgamation of psychodynamic and cognitive theories, the theories can give rise to a judicious blending of techniques that appear to have good effect in the case described.
Lennings
C J
CJ
School of Behavioral Science, Cumberland College of Health Sciences, New South Wales, Australia.
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005219:Father-Child Relations; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009769:Object Attachment; D012919:Social Behavior