Behaviour Therapies> Operant-Based Behaviour Therapy - Modelling

The social learning theory developed by Bandura in 1963 has led to the development of modelling. Modelling is used as a method of treatment for behaviour disorders. Modelling is a technique in which patients observe other people as models. These models show behaviour that the patient finds difficult, such as facing feared objects or handling relationships.

• Bandura, Blanchard, and Rotter used modelling to help people overcome snake phobias.
• Patients watched films and real people who were not afraid of snakes.
• After watching these films and models, patients’ fear of snakes gradually reduced.
• This therapy is highly effective for children who fear cats, dogs, rats, spiders, dark places, and open spaces.

• Lazarus (1971) successfully applied modelling to treat patients' interpersonal problems.
• Patients continuously observed therapists in certain interpersonal relationships.
• These performances were shown through actual practices, films, and videotapes.
• Observation of these interactions helped improve patients' interpersonal relationships.

• Patients are repeatedly shown films and real people who are not afraid of certain objects, such as snakes.
• Patients are continuously exposed to observing therapists in interpersonal situations.
• Through such continuous observation, fears are gradually reduced and interpersonal relationships may improve.

• Modelling is a behaviour therapy based on social learning theory by Albert Bandura (1963), where patients learn by observing others.
• In this technique, the patient watches a model perform behaviours that they find difficult or fearful.
• It is used to treat phobias, such as fear of snakes, dogs, cats, spiders, and dark places.
• It is also used to improve interpersonal relationships by observing therapists’ interactions.
• Through continuous observation of models, fear reduces and new behaviours are learned.