Behavioral Activation Strategies Flashcards

In BA, 'secondary avoidance' refers to:

Answer: Subtle behaviors within an activity that reduce full engagement (e.g., drinking before socializing)

Secondary avoidance involves safety behaviors or partial engagement that prevent the client from fully experiencing the potential reinforcement of an activity.

Which BA intervention directly addresses a client's pattern of withdrawing from social contact?

Answer: Scheduling specific social activities at a graded level of difficulty

BA addresses social withdrawal by scheduling graded social activities that increase contact with potential positive reinforcement from others.

A client insists they have no pleasurable activities left in life. The most appropriate BA response is to:

Answer: Ask about activities they valued before the depression began

BA therapists explore pre-depression activities because anhedonia often causes clients to underestimate their capacity for enjoyment, and historical interests provide scheduling targets.

The concept of 'mastery activities' in BA refers to:

Answer: Tasks that provide a sense of accomplishment, even if not inherently enjoyable

Mastery activities generate a sense of competence and achievement, which counteracts the helplessness and worthlessness common in depression.

Which scenario best illustrates 'graded task assignment' in behavioral activation?

Answer: Having a client first walk to the mailbox, then around the block, then a mile over successive weeks

Graded task assignment incrementally increases the complexity or duration of activities to build confidence and prevent overwhelming the client.

In behavioral activation, how is 'homework' completion typically reviewed at the start of each session?

Answer: By reviewing the activity monitoring form and discussing what was completed, the associated mood, and any obstacles

Detailed review of the activity monitoring form allows the therapist to identify patterns, reinforce success, and collaboratively problem-solve barriers.

When a client's depression is maintained by a punishing work environment, BA would PRIMARILY recommend:

Answer: Increasing pleasurable activities outside of work to counterbalance the aversive environment

When changing the aversive environment is not immediately possible, BA increases positive reinforcement in other life domains to improve the overall balance.