A Review of Behavioural Psychotherapy in the 1980s: On Course?

Abstract

Strikingly diverse views have been expressed regarding the current status of behaviour therapy, with some concern that the field has lost its bearings. Two possible reasons for this diversity of views are the lack of data and the lack of a behavioural referenced instrument for gathering such data. In this paper we offer an instrument and illustrate its use in relation to a random sample of articles appearing in Behavioural Psychotherapy throughout the 1980s. The results suggest that the instrument is reliable and valid, but that behavioural research has not shown itself to be on course towards the standards set out in its own methodological literature. In addition, there is no evidence for the development of an environmental approach. Suggestions are made on aligning research with the aspirations of behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy.