1. How does the behavioral approach to psychological problems—namely, reliance on observable, quantifiable behaviors—differ from that of the psychoanalytic and humanistic perspectives presented in earlier chapters?

2. What is your opinion of the behavioral treatment approach? What aspects of the treatment most strongly contribute to your opinion?

3. In your opinion, for what types of psychological disorders do you believe behavioral techniques best suited? Worst suited?

4. How do cultural variables affect the execution of behavioral techniques such as assertiveness training? Is assertiveness training equally appropriate for all populations?

5. What is your impression on the behaviorists’ complete focus on external, observable behaviors? Is psychopathology nothing more than dysfunctional behavior? Are there any aspects of a patient’s presentation that would be missed by a psychologist strictly practicing behaviorism?

6. Consider exposure plus response prevention therapy. How difficult do you think it is for a patient to decide to engage in such treatment? After all, this treatment exposes patients to their worst fears. How would you strike a balance between helping the patient to make progress through his anxiety hierarchy while also ensuring that he is not exposed to too much anxiety during the process?