The Resistive Client

Abstract

The limited behavioral literature on resistance is briefly reviewed. Initial attempts by behavior therapists to operationally define resistance, pertinent research variables, and hypothesized types of resistance are discussed. Parallel concepts are drawn from seemingly unrelated fields, such as reactance and communications theories, medicine, and hypnotherapy, and are related to behavioral techniques and potential research. Possible reasons for the neglect of this area are discussed and include the behavior therapist's theoretical orientation, the need to consider cognitive variables, and the methodological complexity required.