Cognitive-Behavioral vs. System Theory
COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THEORY 2
Cognitive-Behavioral vs. System Theory
Cognitive behavioral theory is a general concept that involves behavior and cognitive
approaches in understanding human beings. The literature review from two articles is used in
getting a clear understanding of this concept. An article appearing in Schizophrenic, states that
this theory blends two approaches used in psychotherapy: behavior therapy and cognitive therapy
(Taylor, 2011). Behavior therapy states that undesirable behaviors can be unlearned while the
desired behavior can be learned. The cognitive therapy focuses on making changes in the
emotional responses and thinking of the patient, which is dysfunctional.
The second article is from the Journal of Gambling Studies (Raylu et al. 2016). It shows
the effectiveness of using cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of gambling. Cognitive
behavioral theories posit that gambling is the consequence of operant and classical conditioning.
Gambling is reinforced when the excitement brought about by gambling reduces the negative
emotional states in a gambler. Habitual gamblers are in danger of developing errors in thinking
regarding personal skills. Using cognitive-behavioral therapy, gambling can be treated by
addressing the negative psychological states and the gambling urge.
The correlation between the cognitive-behavioral theory and the system theory is that the
former may constitute a part of the latter. The systems theory looks at the whole while the
cognitive-behavioral addresses two specific areas. Both theories work on the formula that is
self-correcting through feedback. Both have structural and functional relationships with each
other in addressing the problem that is presented. Both theories work toward making the patient
whole by using different approaches. Both the behavioral and cognitive theories have their own
unique components, which may be considered as a system.
References
COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THEORY 3
Raylu, N., Oei, T., Loo, J., Tsai, J., Oei, T. S., & Loo, J. Y. (2016). Testing the Validity of a
Cognitive Behavioral Model for Gambling Behavior. Journal of Gambling Studies, 32(2),
773-788. Doi: 10.1007/s10899-015-9567-5
Taylor, V. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Theory. Schizophrenic.
