Depression is a major mental health diagnosis and concern worldwide. A variety of treatment options have been developed by many disciplines, but a behavior analytic alternative has yet to enter the mainstream. Today’s episode will offer a behavior analytic interpretation of depression as it related to behavior patterns and contingencies, and offer a basis of treatment that could produce positive outcomes for a variety of clients.

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Abraham: The Litter Genie (https://www.littergenie.com/)

Shane: Unreal Deli (https://unrealdeli.com/)

References/Links

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (2020). Ethics code for behavior analysts. Littleton, CO: Author.

Biglan, A. (1991). Distressed behavior and its context. The Behavior Analyst, 14(2), 157-169. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392566

Kanter, J. W., Cautilli, J. D., Busch, A. M., & Baruch, D. E. (2005). Toward a comprehensive functional analysis of depressive behavior: Five environmental factors and a possible sixth and seventh. The Behavior Analyst Today, 6(1), 65-81. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0100055

Reisinger, J. J. (1972). The treatment of “anxiety-depression” via positive reinforcement and response cost. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5(2), 125-130.

Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Free Press.

Truschel, J. (2020, September 25). Depression definition and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. https://www.psycom.net/depression-definition-dsm-5-diagnostic-criteria/

World Health Organization. (2021, September 13). Depression. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression