Cognitive Behavioral Theoretical Framework - Term Paper Example

Cognitive Behavioral Theoretical Framework Student Name Affiliation Institution Cognitive Behavioral Theoretical Framework Use of cognitive behavioral theory in analyzing eating disorders Introduction There are various theoretical frameworks and among them is the cognitive behavioral dissonance theory. Cognitive dissonance is a situation where one has a mental discomfort as a result of having contradictory beliefs or ideas. The cognitive dissonance theory focuses on how human beings normally strive for internal consistency. As a result of this they will try to avoid information that is likely to lead to inconsistency (dissonance) (Bates, 2012). In the process, they adjust attitudes to establish various relationships between their cognitions and behavior. Researchers have employed CBT while conducting studies to develop aspects of eating disorders. The dissonance usually is determined by the importance of the perception and the ratio of cognitions. Cognitive theory is employed in research so as to help people attain consistency between their expectations and reality. It, therefore, seeks to enable people change, justify, ignore or adopt new behaviors. Research that employs this theory is much concerned with consequences of exposure to inconsistent information with prior beliefs. The study wants to establish what happens when a person acts in a way that is inconsistent with the views. Most outcomes have revealed that those who hold strong positions in the situation will always try to justify their stands. Application of CBT in Studying Eating Disorders Eating disorders have become a rampant and an alarming aspect among people all over the world (Lampard & Amy, 2015). Most people want to overcome the problem of eating disorders, but it seems tough for them to make the move. Through analysis of various researches conducted across the world, it is easy to conclude that the use of dissonance based intervention initiated when CBT is used might help people overcome this problem. Initiating a cognitive dissonance in people through CBT has proved to be a working technique to initiate positive change in health behaviors and thus has an effect on the sustaining eating disorders. Using CBT during a study, triggers a difference between what someone belives in and the behaviors. It is all achieved through the following paradigms or one of them; belief disconfirmation, where inconsistency triggered as the person, gets information that contradicts one's existing beliefs about the eating disorders. The free choice paradigm involves triggering inconsistency when a person starts thinking about positive elements of a certain choice that they had rejected earlier in an attempt to counter attack eating disorders. Effort justification that involves stimulation of inconsistency as a person participates in tasks that need a lot of effort for a relatively no purpose. They thus learn the activities that are essential to enable then overcome the effects of eating disorders. Induced compliance paradigm whereby the introduction of inconsistency happens when a person acts in a manner that is opposing their existing beliefs for no any apparent purpose (Lampard & Amy, 2015). Using CBT in the study of eating disorders opens new avenues for people to do new things other than what they believed in initially. Hypocrisy involves inconsistency arising when a person makes a positive statement concerning particular behaviors then they remember the past circumstances that they failed in relation to that specific behavior. When researchers conduct their studies using the CBT, they incorporate new techniques and knowledge. People can have new experiences, and they thus can compare with their behaviors pertaining health. When they change, they can handle complications associated with eating disorders. Cognitive theory has been useful in studies that related to eating disorders because it creates awareness among people. The researchers have realized that many people are not ready to change their behaviors simply because they don’t have adequate information about health requirements. Therefore using this theory is the right way to go because it triggers the system and motivates a person to look for information personally (Lampard & Amy, 2015). The information obtained will be more relevant because the person will always extract what is best understandable to him. Conditions for using CBT The theory dictates that testing of people to take place before and after the introduction of dissonance intervention about eating disorders aspects. In the study of eating disorder, the study should incorporate numerical scoring system testing related to health behaviors. The most affected population is between 2 to 65 years, so the sample limits the age bracket. The study should clearly and appropriately describe and conform to the requirements of dissonance interventions. Best results are achievable if the behaviors are self-reported or observed directly when people assess their behaviors and relate them to eating disorder factors. There have been so many established and created models of eating disorders. The cognitive dissonance theory study can be employed to trigger the potential of people facing the risk of eating disorders in developing the thirst for relevant information pertaining control of eating disorders. When people develop the desire, they then decide to search for information about these models which in turn influences their behavior. They will encounter new information that will influence the decision-making process. They are out in a better position to reflect their eating habits and other related behaviors. Various studied have indicated that people respond positively whenever cognate research theory is employed in aspect pertaining eating disorders. It opens the way to the medical staff to understand the approach undertaken as well when advising patients with eating disorders. However, the sampling should be done in a careful manner so as to avoid generalization of biased information. When the sample size is much less, it will automatically be very difficult to interpret the results. CBT based approach described as the treatment of choice for patients with obese conditions that is one aspect of eating disorders. It has proved to work as it affects the psychological and behavioral aspect of the person. It initiates a modified behavior that results in systematic eating approach, routine exercise, and other behaviors that lead to persistent obesity. There is documentation of the strong relationship between the degree of obesity and psychological co-morbidity. There are proves that people change their evaluation process and perceptions about dietary when they are induced to think otherwise. The right methodology is necessary with all rules and regulations involved in research adhered. Just like any other study, sampling is very major in relation to establishing the scope and area of application. Obtaining verifiable data that is possible to translate into useful information should be the major target of the research. CBT focuses understanding of how problematic beliefs and behaviors contribute to the development of psychological problems and their retention over time which is a major factor that affects eating habits of people (Bhatnagar, 2010). The required results are typically establishing channels of changing these beliefs and behaviors pertaining eating patterns of people. A CBT approach to study has helped in understanding specific models of eating disorders thus providing a roadmap for therapeutically processes. People are now able to initiate the relationships between various symptoms and elucidate necessary changes. It is, therefore, essential for clinicians, therapists, researchers and patients to understand the cognitive behavioral process correctly. For the CBT model to function, it is important that the parties are prepared well emotionally. It is much important to appreciate the fact that CBT makes use of two approaches. These are the cognitive approach that focuses on the role of the mind and how one interprets well the determinants of feelings and behavior. The behavioral approach focuses on observable and measurable behaviors while it ignores the mental events. Weaknesses of CBT Cognitive dissonance theory has weaknesses as discussed below; it does not show how dissonance is reducible. It initiates conflict in the minds of people participating in the sample study. There is no clear guidance that these participants are given to come out of the conflicting aspects introduced to them after that. The theory does not appreciate the fact that people have different ability to handle and cope with dissonance. There should be established ways that can enable one to assess and differentiate the different capabilities of people in dealing with conflict. The theory does not cater for the effects and power of persuasive messages. Some messages are very healthy for certain people, and they easily convince them. The effect of this is the even attainment of false and biased results. The individuals might also opt to extend their mental judgments acquired after that to other people. Some messages are weak and cannot even persuade the participants to the extent of convincing them so that they provide reliable information. Cognitive dissonance theory does not induce predictions of the expected outcomes. It just relies on methods that make it difficult to establish stronger and reliable tests (Sparrow, Broadhurst, Moran, & Insight Media (Firm)., 2008). The theory, therefore, does not have an empirical support system that renders it less strong. The cognitive theory does not conform to the testability scale requirements that are necessary to confirm whether the theory is correct or not. The cognitive dissonance theory generally escapes in incidences where dissonance does not work and thus it has made it very difficult to disapprove and challenge the theory’s outcomes. The theory usually relies on dissonance as the only sole aspect and factor into play that can affect the attitude of an individual. The attitude is affected and changed by other factors that influence the life of a person. The theory does not give a clear indication of the conditions that come into play so as to change the person’s attitude. Analyzing this theory properly, one can deduce that it contains conceptual fuzziness. It is somehow ambiguous because dissonance is an aspect confounded by self-concept and impression management. Impression management occurs when a person engages in activities that seem good to one. They participate in things that are only favorable and pleasant to them, and thus there is no possible way they can betray their feelings. It is clear that every person will always wish to appear reasonable to oneself as opposed to the dissonance that states that the person should be inconsistent with one self-concept (Ogden, 2010). Cognitive theory is has been ineffective in away because it is usually impossible to measure and analyze the degree of dissonance that a person feels. It is also clear that people do not base their inconsistency to the act, but instead they base on their physical appearance and behavior. It is assessing these that make them realize that they are not operating according to their expectations and self-perceptions. Self-perception assures us that people normally make decisions by observing their behavior and how others react to the behavior. As per self-affirmation aspects, it is very difficult for a person to operate basing on dissonance (Jernigan, 2008). People will always avoid dissonance as it comprises their self-affirmation. A person will always conform to self-affirmation whenever he/she feels that his sense of moral integrity is being threatened. The cognitive dissonance theory does not have enough utility. It does not offer full information explaining how and when people will normally try to reduce dissonance and its effects. Cognitive dissonance theory does not appreciate and subscribe to the idea that dissonance as introduced valiantly. In some people, it can be introduced suddenly but for other people it might take a lot of time. In an attempt to interpret the information, it is possible to conclude that a person might change the decision and behave differently during the same study period. Strengths of CBT Cognitive dissonance theory has some strength as well which it is more prudent to look at also. The theory has been the center of motivation of in research and study. As a result, it has led to the emergence of various discussions and in different fields. It has provided an avenue for study and application in many fields which facilitates the availability of information. It has contributed diversely to the ocean of knowledge. The theory also makes use of selective exposure that offers a chance for people to seek information. It triggers the challenge in a person thus he decides to search for the necessary information. In the attempt to search for information, one can build and expand his knowledge base (Cooper, 2007). One will eventually come in contact with new information and gain interest in interacting with other fields. It utilizes the post-decisional dissonance that emphasizes on the thinking and behavior process of a person making a decision. It makes a person to be disciplined and set operational principles after a valid decision emerge. The theory capitalizes so much on persuasion and induced compliance. It drives the person and society to conform and subscribe to established and proved ways of life. It, therefore, enables a person to move from the captivity state so as to operate in a way that is acceptable and welcomed into the society. The theory carries it pride due to its diversified nature. It is a widespread area of application and encompasses many life aspects. Due to this it is applicable and acceptable in many fields and different institutions. Through the application of cognitive dissonance theory in studies and research, human beings have been able to understand their cognitions. The resulting effect is that they have become rational and know the underlying facts to base on. They are, therefore, able to establish relationships basing on their behaviors. It forms the basic element of communication among humanity providing avenues for expounding on other disciplines. The theory can consider, appreciate and recognize more than two cognitions at the same time. It is, therefore, possible to study various behaviors at ago. It helps to minimize the resources and safe time during the study. The theory full acknowledges and accepts that some cognition is much more important than others. It, therefore, allows a chance for establishing priorities when scheduling the study. It also provides a medium for determining how much information and persuasion incorporated so as to attempt and study a certain behavior. The theory also aims at making people understand that the importance of the cognitions will automatically influence the amount of dissonance (Kessler, 2013). It ascertains that the amount of dissonance is affected by the proportion of dissonant in relation to consonant cognitions as well. It is best to realize that people will usually remember and retain longer messages that which are consistent with preexisting beliefs and attitudes. It is also vital to know that people will interpret a message in a way that is consistent with one's preexisting attitudes. The theory makes three approaches that capitalizes and analyzes results properly. The first approach involves the establishment of pre-decisional determinant factors. These are current aspects that are leading the cognitions that are being exhibited currently. Then there is need to introduce the information seeking phase. The person is stimulated to look for relevant information that relates to the situation. It is vital as it aims at expanding the knowledge base of the individual. It finalizes by the post-decisional determinants that are the follow-up to the results. The difference obtained at the end of the process is what describes and defines the dissonance effect. The theory is stronger as it is directly applicable to real life situations. It can trigger a demand for products among people who initially might not have had the interest in the product. Conclusion Application of CBT has been successful in initiating positive change among patients with eating disorders. People are subjected to a new world that induce thorough personal assessment and seek medical advice. Eventually, people can analyze and way situations then settle down on the right position. CBT has as well proved to be effective and efficient in fields relating to economics, sociology, psychology, history and so on. Its persuasion nature has rendered it more useful to marketers during advertisement so as to enhance the sales. It is much important to realize that eating disorders are not an exceptional for anybody. It is vital for every person to strive to attain good health conditions. We should as well induce the sense of rationalism using CBT among our friends especially those we know or doubt they are not weighing situations. References Bates, M. (2012). The Development and Evaluation Of A 5-Week Readiness For Change Precursor To Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For Individuals With Eating Disorders. Bhatnagar, K. A. (2010). Effectiveness and Feasibility of a Cognitive-Behavioral Group Intervention for Body Image Disturbance in Women with Eating Disorders. Cleveland, OH: Case Western Reserve University. Cooper, J. (2007). Cognitive Dissonance: Fifty Years of A Classic Theory. Los Angeles: SAGE. Kessler, E. H. (2013). Encyclopedia of Management Theory. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. Jernigan, K. D. (2008). The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Patients Diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Lampard, & Amy, S. (2015). The Cognitive-Behavioural Theory and Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa: An Examination of Treatment Mechanisms and Future Directions. School of Psychology, Curtin University. Ogden, J. (2010). The Psychology of Eating: From Healthy to Disordered Behavior. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. Sparrow, B., Broadhurst, R., Moran, M., & Insight Media (Firm). (2008). Cognitive Dissonance. New York: Insight Media. Read More